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The Scottish Government has updated its guidance for the tourism and hospitality sector ahead of the relaxation of restrictions on Monday (9th August).

Customers will be able to drink at the bar from Monday 9th August after the Scottish Government confirmed the 'wearing of face masks is not required while eating or drinking whether seated or standing' when restrictions are eased.

Operators and trade groups have demanded clarity on the easing of restrictions scheduled to go ahead on Monday (9th August).

Social distancing requirements will be dropped and nightclubs able to reopen from Monday (9th August) as Scotland moves out of level zero restrictions, the first minister has confirmed.

A hospitality industry trade group has proposed a system it says could help bar, restaurant and hotel businesses avoid having to close temporarily as a result of the so-called ‘pingdemic’.

The Scottish Government has announced that the relaxation of building rules around temporary structures in hospitality will continue until March.

Trade group UK Hospitality Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to permanently relax planning restrictions on outdoor seating, after the UK Government signalled it intends to do so in England.

Yesterday's announcement that Scotland will move to level zero from Monday, 19th July – albeit with caveats – has been met with a mixture of relief and disappointment, according to trade groups.

The whole of Scotland will be under level zero restrictions from Monday 19th July – but with certain ‘modifications’ to those restrictions, including a midnight closing time and the continued requirement for face masks, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.

Physical distancing requirements in licensed premises could end on 9th August, after first minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled an updated coronavirus Strategic Framework in the Scottish Parliament today.