Guidance on Scottish pubs reopening on 15 July revealed

19-Jun-2020 - Last updated on 13-Jul-2020 at 10:51 GMT

State rules: the Scottish Government has released guidelines on how hospitality businesses can reopen safely

The Scottish Government has published guidance for tourism and hospitality businesses ahead of an indicative start date of 15 July.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed social distancing measures will be subject to rigorous research with an announcement on any change from the current 2m rule unlikely for another fortnight.

She also said the opening of outdoor areas for pubs and restaurants will not be confirmed until 2 July – two weeks later than expected.

This comes after trade bodies called for the UK Government to provide guidance on how pubs can reopen on the proposed date of 4 July.

UKHospitality executive director for Scotland Willie Macleod said: “It is heartening to have the Scottish Government’s guidance and the clarity they bring for businesses.

“They should provide an end to many of the uncertainties, which have persisted over recent weeks for businesses that have been hit very hard by this crisis and allow planning to get underway for reopening."

Country mainstay

Macleod added: “The importance of the hospitality sector to Scotland’s economy cannot be denied. Hospitality is the mainstay of the country’s tourism industry and plays a vital role socially as well as economically.

“Reopening will be critical in helping the country get back up and running. We are naturally very pleased the Scottish Government has also included a link to UKHospitality’s guidelines, which are available to the entire sector.

“Even with greater certainty that the reopening guidance now provides, we should not forget businesses have been hit very hard and the sector remains in a fragile state.

“We must have continued sector-specific support from both the UK and Scottish Governments. We are pleased to see social distancing measures will also be reviewed.

“Reaching the minimum distance required, if it is safe to do so, would be a huge bonus for businesses as they look to reopen.”

Guidance details

The guidance for Scotland’s hospitality sector includes 2m distancing, which needs to be marked with tape or paint on floors.

It also includes signage being used to communicate key health and safety points, limiting the number of customers to maintain distancing, one-way systems and staggering arrival and departure times of staff to help reduce crowding.

Customers should be encouraged to use contactless or cashless payments where possible and to observe high standards of hand hygiene by providing hand sanitiser at entry and exit point and in any common areas. Cleaning schedules should be implemented and frequent touch points disinfected regularly.

When it comes the toilets, the guidance stated operators should give careful consideration to how these can be used safely and to check the guidance provided on this area when it is made available.