New rules for pubs and restaurants will be in place from next Monday after Nicola Sturgeon confirmed a move to level zero Covid restrictions.
All of Scotland will move down to the lowest level of coronavirus rules from Monday, July 19.
The First Minister said that case numbers are 'levelling off' compared to recent weeks.
Health officials confirmed that there were 2,529 new positive cases of coronavirus recorded in the past 24 hours, with four deaths recorded in that time.
The move to level zero means that new rules will be in place in pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes across the country.
More people will be allowed to gather indoors and outdoors, while opening hours will be extended further.
It is hoped that all major restrictions will be lifted in Scotland on August 9 under the Scottish Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
Group numbers allowed
Up to 10 people from four households will be allowed to meet inside a pub, cafe or restaurant under the level zero rules.
That number increases to up to 15 people from 15 households when gathering in outdoor areas such as beer gardens.
Opening hours
Hospitality venues will be allowed to open for longer under the new set of restrictions.
Previously pubs had to close at 10.30pm in level two areas and 11pm under level one rules.
The Scottish Government says that level zero means pubs must shut at midnight.
Rules remaining in place
Scots will need to continue to wear face coverings when they walking around a hospitality venue - unless they have a medical exemption.
Pubgoers will also need to continue to provide contact details for each person in their part for the purposes of NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system.
Social distancing measures will still have to be adhered to, with establishments signposting for one metre rules.
Do you agree with the new rules for pubs in Scotland? Have your say in the comments section.
