Dumfries and Galloway wedding industry fears relaxing alcohol ban at receptions may come too late

Wedding industry representatives fear relaxing rules on alcohol at receptions has come too late.

Up to 50 guests will be allowed at weddings from April 26, an increase on the current limit of five.

The Scottish Government had initially announced alcohol would not be allowed.

However, when updated information was published on Tuesday, it showed alcohol would be allowed at receptions when the country moves to level three on April 26.

Duncan McConchie, co-founder of the Scottish Wedding Industry Alliance and managing director of Laggan near Gatehouse, said: “It is what we have fought and fought and fought for and it is the decision we should have had three weeks ago.

“I think the damage has been done, a lot of the weddings from April 26 to May 17 are no longer there because alcohol was not allowed.

“The battle goes on, we still have no idea what is allowed in terms of first dance, live music and guest interaction. We have great numbers and we are delighted with the bigger number but need more guidance.

“We are meeting the Scottish Government on Friday to go through their proposed guidance for April 26 to May 17 but will also be pushing for guidance levels two, one and zero. But the reaction in the industry is generally positive – people are no longer getting emails every night from concerned couples.”