Scots are expected to pile into nightclubs and pubs this weekend as the country enjoys their first full weekend of new freedoms.
Current rules mean that all businesses will be allowed to reopen, while the majority of restrictions in the hospitality sector have been lifted.
Despite the return to normality, health and government officials are still urging Scots to act cautiously on their nights out.
This is why a number of rules and regulations remain in place - including the wearing of face coverings and the need for contact tracing measures.
When announcing the new rules beyond level zero last week, Nicola Sturgeon said: “The last year has reminded all of us just how precious some of the simplest things in life really are, and many of us I suspect will resolve not to take them quite so much for granted in future.
“Undoubtedly, the best way of doing that in the short term is to continue to be careful, cautious and sensible, even as legal restrictions are lifted. The government will continue to provide guidance to help get that balance right.
“We all hope – I know I certainly do – that the restrictions we lift next Monday will never again have to be re-imposed. But no-one can guarantee that.
“This virus remains a threat - and as we enter winter, it may well pose challenges for us again.”
Here are the rules and regulations that Scots will need to abide by when they visit the pub or a nightclub this weekend.
Pubs and restaurants
All Scots will be required to wear a face covering when moving around the pub - such as going to the toilet or entering and leaving the premises or queuing at the bar.
Face coverings will also have to be worn when Scots are playing pool or darts in a bar.
Masks can be removed when punters are sat at a table or for when they are eating or drinking. Coverings can also be taken off when performing karaoke.
Customers who are not abiding by the rules will be given a warning by staff. If the breach is deliberate then bar and waiting staff will be within their rights to refuse service.
Staff must wear a face covering while serving customers.
Some Scots will be exempt from wearing a face covering if they have any medical conditions that prevent them from wearing one. A full list of exemptions can be found on the Scottish Government website.
Pubgoers and restaurant diners will still have to provide their details for NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect - this can be collected through the Check-in smartphone app or through other means, such as a physical form.
Pub quizzes are also allowed to take place once again under the current rules.
People can also enjoy a drink without the need to sit down at a table. This means that Scots can once again drink at a bar, but this has been actively discouraged.
Nightclubs
Similar restrictions to pubs and restaurants will also apply to nightclubs across Scotland.
Revellers will be allowed to drink or dance without the need to wear a face covering inside a nightclub.
But face coverings must be worn when moving around a venue, queuing at a bar or going to a toilet.
Venues will be asked to take the details of all customers for Test and Protect purposes - either through the app or through other means.
Staff will be obliged to not serve customers they believe to be deliberately breaking the rules in place.
