Midnight curfew to be imposed on pubs and restaurants in Scotland from 19 July
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament today (13 July) that despite the easing of restrictions to Level 0 face masks will remain mandatory and that social distancing would be at one metre for indoor operations.
While the 11pm curfew for pubs and restaurants will be scrapped from Monday, hospitality businesses will instead have to close at midnight.
Under the new rules, 10 people from up to four households will be able to meet in an indoor public place such as pubs and restaurants. Sturgeon also said that people should work from home where possible until 9 August
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) welcomed the relaxing of restrictions but says that uncertainty remains for licensed trade sector.
Colin Wilkinson, managing director at the SLTA says it is a “relief to have some clarity” from the Scottish Government but that there is still a lot of uncertainty about what will happen from 9 August.
“We urge the Scottish Government to give businesses – and the public – messaging that is both clear and consistent to avoid confusion. Clarity is key as our sector tries to save what is left of the summer,” he says.
“That hospitality can open until midnight if their current licence permits that from July 19 is, of course, good news and it will help some businesses start to claw back lost trade. However, as the one-metre physical distancing rule remains in place, that will be very difficult for some premises, particularly smaller ones.
“Today’s announcement also leaves those still unable to open because of their size or the entertainment they provide, such as late opening premises and nightclubs, no further forward.”
The announcement follows that made yesterday that England would relax restrictions on so-called Freedom Day on 19 July. In England, restrictions such as social distancing measures will be scrapped beyond 19 July and people will no longer be compelled to wear face masks in public.
The SLTA is calling for further financial aid for licensed hospitality businesses. “There needs to be an extension to the current support schemes available such as furlough, VAT reduction, deferral of loan repayments and so on,” adds Wilkinson.
