Scottish Government could let shoppers buy alcohol before 10am

Constitution Secretary Mike Russell said that talks have been held on the issue

Alcohol could be available in the shops before 10 am during lockdown

Discussions are taking place in the Scottish Government about a possible relaxation of alcohol licensing restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

Constitution Secretary Mike Russell revealed talks have been held on the issue as he also confirmed MSPs will formally debate the Scottish Government's framework document looking at how lockdown restrictions can be eased.

By noon on Tuesday, five days after it was launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, 397,000 Scots had viewed the paper.

"That is not a usual reaction to a Government document," Mr Russell said.

He told MSPs the framework document will be debated in the Scottish Parliament, possibly in two weeks' time.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser questioned whether this could include a relaxation of licensing laws so customers taking advantage of early supermarket opening hours could buy alcohol - something which currently cannot be sold in shops before 10am.

Mr Russell said the process of selecting the final contents of the new Bill is "still ongoing", telling MSPs: "I don't want to commit myself to particular items at this stage."

He told Mr Fraser, the convener of Holyrood's new Covid-19 Committee: "I note the point he makes about licensing, he has raised it on a number of occasions.

"I am still in discussions with colleagues about that but I do think it is a point that would have support from a whole range of people."

Speaking about the Bill, he said it will amend deadlines that can no longer be met as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, for example, giving registered social landlords more time to lodge their accounts with the Scottish Housing Regulator.

The timetable for holding the citizens' assembly on climate change - something ministers had committed to in legislation updating emissions targets - will be "relaxed", Mr Russell said.

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