Pubs in Scotland will be able to welcome back customers indoors for the first time in eight months, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
The First Minister today announced that lockdown rules will be relaxed from May 17 as previously planned, meaning that bars and restaurants will be able to serve alcohol indoors once more.
It means that thousands of venues that missed out on the previous reopening date due to a lack of outdoor seating can finally get back to business - and Scots finally enjoy a pint indoors and not have to brave the recent chilly spring weather.
Many pubs closed their doors in October and have been unable to reopen since.
But social distancing rules and restrictions on the number of people allowed in bars will remain in place.
Drinkers will have to stay seated at tables and can't stand or mingle at the bar area. Face masks must be worn when customers enter the premises or stand up to leave.
Track and trace rules are still in force so anyone visiting a bar will have to leave their name and contact details.
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