The Scottish Government have announced on their Twitter account (@ScotGovEconomy) that the country's music ban in hospitality venues will officially come to an end this Saturday December 12.
On 14 August 2020, statutory guidance for the hospitality sector was introduced and as a precautionary measure the Scottish Government prohibited background sound in hospitality premises, including music and audio from televisions.
Now after four months music is once again allowed to play in venues that are open under current lockdown restrictions.
Guidance that has been issued by the government says that hospitality venues such as restaurants, bars and pubs must be able to clearly demonstrate to regulatory authorities that, if playing music, customers do not need to significantly raise voices to be heard.
The guidance also suggests introducing signage in venues to inform customers to avoid raised voices, shouting and singing, and to let staff know if they think the background audio is too loud.
Jukeboxes are also permitted, if the venue ensures that it is cleaned between customers
Discos, silent discos, karaoke and other activities that require general singing or dancing "are not permitted at this time".
However it's good news for sports fans as pubs and bars can now turn the sound on for live sport broadcasts on TV.
