Move to level 0 for Scotland- Licencing Update

From 1 minute after midnight on Monday 19 July, changes will come into force putting all Council areas in Scotland into level 0. All the proposed changes have not come into effect so hospitality and licensed trade operators should be careful not to be caught out. Read on to check what you and your guests or customers can and cannot do.

• Physical distancing in Level 0 will reduce to 1 metre in all indoor public places and outdoors. This means pubs, restaurants and cafes and outdoor areas, whether allowing liquor or not, are also subject to this.
• “Informal” social gatherings of up to 15 people from 15 households are allowed outdoors without physical distancing. Gatherings of up to 10 people from four households are allowed in all indoor public settings with 1 metre physical distancing.

Under-12s do not count towards the number of households that can gather indoors in public spaces and homes

• Hospitality and licensed trade premises can open until midnight, if their current licence or consents allow them to do so. This differs from previously in level 0 which had allowed operation within the premises‘ current consents. That means even if premises have a 1am permission they must close at midnight for now.

Customers do not have to pre-book a two-hour slot but will still be required to provide contact details for Test & Protect purposes.

• Weddings and funerals can have up to 200 people in attendance
• While working from home was thought to be ending, the First Minister confirmed that would now not take effect until Scotland was beyond level 0, still proposed for 9th August.
• From 4am on Monday 19 July, adults  who are fully vaccinated (through a UK vaccination programme), and children, arriving into Scotland from Amber List countries no longer need to self-isolate. They also do not have to take a test on day 8 after their return but instead adults and children over 12 will have to take tests before travelling and on day 2 after arrival. If they test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms, they will have to isolate for 10 days.
• All indoor contact sport can go ahead in Level 0.
• Capacity in stadiums will increase to 2,000 outdoors and 400 indoors as standard, although we have already seen some stadium sporting events granted an exemption from the current level 2 restriction on number
• The requirement to wear face coverings remains in place, as does the need to co-operate with test and protect measures and comply with advice on hygiene and ventilation.

For more information please contact Jo Millar on 0141 370 8116