Around 30 bars and restaurants in Glasgow have submitted enquiries or made new applications to open external areas, Glasgow City Council has confirmed.
Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce a move into phase two of Scotland's route map out of coronavirus lockdown at tomorrow's three week lockdown review.
That will allow pubs and restaurants to open their outdoor spaces with physical distancing and increased hygiene routines in the second phase.
Pubs and restaurants with outdoor areas that are not currently part of their premises licence can apply to the licensing board for them to be used as a temporary measure.
The licences are normally granted for a maximum of 14 days - although pubs and restaurants can submit a series of applications at the same time to have the measure in place for a longer period.
As yet, however, the Council hasn't issued any occasional licences prior to guidance becoming available from the Scottish Government on the matter - with many pubs and restaurants believed to be waiting to see what the guidance is before applying.
A spokesman for the Council told Glasgow Live: "In terms of new applications/enquiries re operating external areas, there are around 30.
"Please note that officers working in licensing feel that many bars/restaurants are holding off to see what the Scottish Government guidance is, so they can understand the potential viability of operating outdoor areas with social distancing.
"Therefore we are not in a position to issue any occasional licences/permissions until the guidance is available to understand what businesses need to do in order to operate safely."
