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Premises in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian will not be allowed to sell alcohol and can only trade until 6pm from Friday (18th December) after first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that all three local authority areas will be put under level three restrictions

Minor changes to trading restrictions under the Scottish Government’s coronavirus levels system could more than double the economic viability of Scotland’s hospitality businesses, and help secure the future of 1800 businesses and 32,500 jobs, according to a new study

Licensed premises will be able to play background music (or sound from televisions) for the first time since August under newly-published Scottish Government guidance

Trade groups have welcomed the announcement of further financial support for businesses – but cautioned that more will be needed if the sector is to recover

The Scottish Government has pledged an additional £60 million to support Scotland’s tourism industry in the New Year, with additional one-off grants for hospitality businesses valued at a further £30m

Keeping Edinburgh in level three of coronavirus restrictions will cost the city’s pubs £3.2 million in turnover, according to the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA)

Coronavirus restrictions will change in 16 council areas this Friday, the first minister has announced

The average Welsh pub receives over £11,000 in COVID grants compared to Scotland's £2700, says the SBPA

There will be no change to the level of coronavirus restrictions levels in place across Scotland this week, with a “more substantial” review expected next week, the first minister has stated

Hospitality operators have written to first minister Nicola Sturgeon to urge a review of the COVID levels system, which they say is having “a devastating effect” on their businesses