McDonald’s restaurants will reopen in England and Wales for walk-in takeaways - but Scots will have to wait a little longer.
The fast food chain announced that a number of its branches down south will welcome customers for the walk-in service from today.
All the restaurants earmarked for reopening will see enhanced safety measures to protect customers and staff from coronavirus amid the stay at home lockdown rules.
But the reopening plan is on hold in Scotland due to restrictions on takeaways from the Scottish Government.
Businesses offering a takeaway service for food and drinks can only do so on a ‘no-indoor entry’ basis.
Customers can only collect their goods through a service hatch or a table at the doorway.
Scots fast food fans will still be able to get their favourite McDonald’s meals by using the Drive Thru and McDelivery services at branches in Scotland.
Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s CEO UK and Ireland, previously said: “Due to Government restrictions, we are unable to reopen takeaway in Scotland at this time.”
New safety measures being introduced at branches down south include revised guidance for couriers and visors, which will be used in addition to face coverings for customer facing workers.
Mr Pomroy added: “Once again, we would like to thank our franchisees, managers and employees for their ongoing commitment in supporting and implementing all of our updated procedures.
“The wellbeing of our people, as well as our suppliers, couriers and our customers remains our top priority, and we are confident the new processes in place will further enhance our already robust safety measures.”
It currently remains unclear when the rules on takeaways will change in Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon is expected to provide an update on Scotland’s stay at home lockdown at Holyrood tomorrow.
The First Minister is anticipated to provide a roadmap out of lockdown in an address to MSPs.
