One of the turning points in leaving lockdown was the ability to go to pubs and restaurants again.
The Government approved outdoor hospitality such as beer gardens then sanctioned the same services indoors.
It was a massive boost for people wanting to enjoy a pint with their mates or a nice meal with friends and families.
However, these newly restored freedoms had conditions attached.
Pubs, cafes and restaurants had to put in place measures for physical distancing and to take customer details in case there was an outbreak.
While the overwhelming majority of establishments appear to be acting responsibly, a minority are not taking
the pandemic seriously.
This is in spite of the Scottish Government producing a document for the hospitality businesses laying out what is expected of them.
Nicola Sturgeon was correct to warn errant businesses yesterday that they could be shut down if they do not raise their game.
It is not just people’s lives they are putting at risk but also livelihoods.
As the First Minister said, businesses cannot “allow standards to slip” and members of the public should avoid premises that flout the rules.
It took months for life to go back to relative normality – but it would take hours for these restrictions to be reimposed.
