Coronavirus Scotland: When will the 6pm pub curfew come into force? The new lockdown rules explained

What are the new rules in Scotland?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in the Scottish Parliament today that Scotland will be put under a 16-day ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown.

Under new rules, Scottish pubs, bars, and restaurants will not be able to serve alcohol indoors past 6pm.

The stricter regulations come as Scotland reported 5,516 new positive coronavirus cases in the past seven days and 20 new deaths in the week ending October 4.

But what are the details of the new restrictions, and when will they be put in place?

What are the new lockdown rules in Scotland?

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Speaking in Scottish Parliament today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the new restrictions are ‘intended to be short, sharp action to arrest a worrying increase in infection’.

The hospitality industry, including pubs, bars, and restaurants will not be permitted to serve alcohol indoors past 6pm.

However, they will be allowed to serve alcohol and food outdoors, including beer gardens and patios, until 10pm.

Sturgeon has encouraged office workers to wear face coverings when at work, for example when walking in corridors and in the staff canteen.

She also reminded shops to ensure that the original 2 metre social distancing regulations are still in place.

To soften the blow these curbs will have on Scotland’s hospitality industry, the First Minister announced an additional £40million of funding to help keep businesses afloat.

It is currently unclear on how this money will reach struggling businesses.

Where in Scotland will pubs shut completely?

Five areas of Scotland will see licensed pubs and restaurants closed completely, however takeaway services will be able to operate.

These areas are Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley.

However, cafes which do not have an alcohol licence will be able to stay open until 6pm.

Indoor bowling venues, casinos, bingo halls and snooker halls will not be permitted to open in these areas.

Sturgeon has also banned group classes in gyms, contact sports (not including those at a professional level) and outdoor live events in all five regions.

Stricter rules have been implemented in these areas due to their high rates of coronavirus cases.

When do the new rules come into force?

The regulations will come into affect on Friday, October 9 at 6pm.

They will continue for 16 days.

Are there any exemptions to the new rules?

For the 6pm curfew, there are a few exemptions to the new rules.

Exemptions to the rules include ‘significant life events’ such as wedding receptions that are already booked and funeral wakes.

It is understood the previous limits of 20 event attendees remain.

Also, hotels may continue to serve food past the 6pm curfew.

MORE: MP attended Parliament with coronavirus and caught train back to Scotland

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