Pubs, restaurants and cafes across Scotland will be given ‘greater flexibility’ to make use of the space outside their premises, the Scottish Government promises.
Beer gardens and outdoor dining areas are allowed to open from today (July 6), in the hope of giving the country’s hospitality sector a much-needed boost after months of lockdown.
Government regulations on planning for outdoors spaces are being relaxed temporarily, to allow businesses and their customers to adhere to current social distancing measures.
That means that public footpaths may be used for seating and open-sided gazebos could also be introduced to your favourite bar or restaurant, if they so choose.
The announcement follows controversy in Glasgow, where the sale of takeaway pints is being restricted from today too.
The ban by Glasgow City Council is blamed on ‘unacceptable anti-social behaviour’ - and while some have welcomed the move, others say it will pose further problems for struggling bars.
At national level, Planning Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Scotland’s hospitality industry is vital to our economy which is why we took immediate steps to address the financial impact of Covid-19, including a £320 million support package specifically aimed at the tourism and hospitality sector.
“As the industry re-opens with physical distancing measures, we want to enable businesses to take steps to provide a safe and pleasant environment for customers.
“Local authorities are responsible for planning and we are already encouraging them to facilitate the use of open outdoor spaces which pubs and restaurants can use. We have also issued guidance to local licensing boards about how to sensitively and pragmatically deal with requests to use outdoor space for the sale of alcohol.
“Relaxing planning controls on a temporary basis will give even more flexibility to allow businesses to operate, and for some normality to return to life within our communities.”
Relaxing planning controls may help some bars and restaurants who don’t have outdoor space at their disposal to continue to trade - but if you’re buying a pint to takeaway then you’ll officially have to take it home before cracking it open as of today.
And if you are comfortable with hitting the city’s beer gardens then here’s a list of places reopening today (Monday) - we’ll see you there!
