Lockdown begins to ease for Scotland’s hospitality sector

By Neil McGrory, Local Democracy Reporter
Published 6th Jul 2020, 13:10 BST
Updated 6th Jul 2020, 13:41 BST
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sits by a fire pit table during a visit to Cold Town House in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, where she saw the changes in place to keep staff and customers safe in the outdoor hospitality industry. Photo by Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty ImagesFirst Minister Nicola Sturgeon sits by a fire pit table during a visit to Cold Town House in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, where she saw the changes in place to keep staff and customers safe in the outdoor hospitality industry. Photo by Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty Images
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sits by a fire pit table during a visit to Cold Town House in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, where she saw the changes in place to keep staff and customers safe in the outdoor hospitality industry. Photo by Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty Images
Scotland’s hospitality industry has taken a step closer to normality today (Monday) with pubs, restaurants and cafes now allowed to serve customers in outdoor spaces.

Planning regulations are being temporarily relaxed to help the industry restart as lockdown comes closer to ending.

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Physical distancing measures remain in force but public footpaths may now be used for seating and this also includes structures such as open-ended gazebos.

Planning Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Scotland’s hospitality industry is vital to our economy which is why we took immediate steps to address the financial impact of Covid-19, including a £320 million support package specifically aimed at the tourism and hospitality sector.

“As the industry re-opens with physical distancing measures, we want to enable businesses to take steps to provide a safe and pleasant environment for customers.

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“Local authorities are responsible for planning and we are already encouraging them to facilitate the use of open outdoor spaces which pubs and restaurants can use.  We have also issued guidance to local licensing boards about how to sensitively and pragmatically deal with requests to use outdoor space for the sale of alcohol.

“Relaxing planning controls on a temporary basis will give even more flexibility to allow businesses to operate, and for some normality to return to life within our communities.”

Related topics:ScotlandKevin StewartCovid-19

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