Nicola Sturgeon announced on Tuesday that Scotland is set to drop most - but not all - of its remaining Covid restrictions on August 9.
From next Monday, social distancing and limits to the size of gatherings will be scrapped but the wearing of face coverings will still be mandatory in the "same indoor settings" as they are now.
As reported by insider.co.uk, hospitality leaders have since criticised the government's announcement and called it out for failing to consult with the industry beforehand.
The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) called the impending changes "a complete disaster" in response to an interview Deputy First Minister John Swinney gave in which he said that drinking while standing up would still not be allowed.
The government has since clarified that people will in fact be permitted to stand and have a drink in venues such as pubs and nightclubs once restrictions are eased on Monday.
However, it remains uncertain whether the use of face coverings will be mandatory in nightclubs.
Managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association Colin Wilkinson said: “It is absolutely crucial to have this clarified although we are still waiting for the finer detail on this and other questions.
“Mr Swinney’s comments were both unhelpful and misinformed.”
SHG pointed out the 'vertical drinking' restriction has affected many pubs and bars, as seated consumption restricts most venues to around 40% of trading, with many remaining closed due to the need for “bar area drinking”.
"Yet again we hear the guidance made public before any consultation or discussion with the trade even after we asked for the draft guidance yesterday," read a statement from SHG.
“The most important briefing and most important guidance to date and for many in the sector - it's a complete disaster.”
The group argued that the sector was left with many “unanswered questions” and again heard the decision “without any input or discussion”.
SHG spokesman Stephen Montgomery added: “Scotland is moving in the right direction, and we welcome the easing of restrictions, but it needs to go further - we need a recovery plan now that will entice people back into the sector and give them the confidence that they are entering a stable industry again.”
