Alcohol licensing laws could be relaxed in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports.
Constitution Secretary Mike Russell confirmed that talks are underway at the Scottish Parliament over easing restrictions on the sale of alcohol - including the sale of alcoholic drinks before 10am.
He also announced that the Scottish Government's framework document looking at how lockdown restrictions can be eased will be formally debated in the next few weeks.
Around 400,000 people in Scotland have read the document, but Mr Russell has refused to commit to “particular items” before the issue is discussed among MSPs.
Speaking after Tory MSP Murdo Fraser raised the relaxation of laws, he said: “I don't want to commit myself to particular items at this stage."
“I note the point he [Fraser] makes about licensing, he has raised it on a number of occasions.
"I am still in discussions with colleagues about that but I do think it is a point that would have support from a whole range of people."
Alcohol can be purchased in Scottish stores between 10am and 10pm, though many shops choose to restrict this to between 12 and 10 on Sunday.
Most other parts of the UK operate a 24-hour alcohol licenses.
