Scottish Government confirms 'vertical drinking' will be permitted when restrictions ease

Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), confirmed that drinking while standing up ('vertical drinking') in hospitality venues would be allowed after attending a meeting yesterday (4 August) with the Scottish Government and other industry groups at which officials provided clarity.

It came after Deputy First Minister John Swinney suggested  it might not be allowed while appearing on BBC Radio Scotland yesterday morning.

“It is absolutely crucial to have this clarified although we are still waiting for the finer detail on this and other questions," said Wilkinson.

"However, we thank the Scottish Government for their time today and hope that further information is forthcoming before Monday.
“Mr Swinney’s comments were both unhelpful and misinformed.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed earlier this week that Scotland will move 'beyond Level 0' of its five-tier system next week​​.

It means that for the first time since September last year, restaurants and pubs in Scotland will no longer be subject to a curfew on their operating hours.

Night-time economy businesses, including nightclubs, will be able to reopen, having remained closed across the country since the start of the pandemic.

Social distancing regulations will also be scrapped, as will limits on the size of social gatherings.