Coronavirus in Scotland: New restrictions for pubs, bars and restaurants to come into force

New restrictions introduced for Scotland’s pubs, bars and restaurants will come into effect from 6pm on Friday.

Across most of the country these venues will only be allowed to operate indoors between 6am and 6pm and not serve alcohol.

However, they can continue to sell drinks until 10pm in outside areas.

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But pubs and licensed restaurants in five health board areas across the central belt will be forced to close for 16 days as of Friday evening.

New restrictions introduced for Scotland’s pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will come into effect from 6pm on Friday.New restrictions introduced for Scotland’s pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will come into effect from 6pm on Friday.
New restrictions introduced for Scotland’s pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will come into effect from 6pm on Friday.

Establishments in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and Forth Valley can only provide takeaways during this time with the temporary measures set to end on Sunday October 25.

Shops have also been asked to return to two metres physical distancing and reintroduce measures from earlier in the pandemic such as one-way systems.

More measures for the five areas of central Scotland will begin from Saturday having been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this week to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Contact sports for adults aged 18 and above are being suspended for the next two weeks – apart from for professional sports.

Indoor group exercise activities will no longer be allowed, however gyms can remain open for individual exercise.

Snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling, casinos and bingo halls will also close and no outdoor live events are allowed in these five areas.

The Scottish Government has pledged £40 million of funds to help the sector through the restrictions, which will be in place from Friday until Sunday October 25.

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