Scots will reportedly be allowed to stand at a bar and drink when the country moves out of the levels system next week.
Paul Togneri, a senior adviser and policy manager at the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, took to Twitter to announce that 'vertical drinking' will be allowed from August 9.
It comes after industry leaders were left confused when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that physical distancing rules were to be removed on Monday.
Earlier today Deputy First Minister John Swinney was asked about if people could stand at a bar and drinking instead of having to sit at tables.
He told the BBC': "What we're saying is that people can quite easily go out for a drink, they can go out for a meal, they can sit at tables, but some of the things that have been a hallmark of hospitality venues in the past of vast gatherings of people around a bar standing up may not be a good idea.
"I don't think it's absolutely necessary for people to crowd around a bar to do vertical drinking. That's not necessary."
However, it looks as if the Scottish Government has decided to allow 'vertical drinking'.
Paul tweeted: "Confirmation from @scotgov officials that vertical drinking WILL be allowed from Monday in Scotland's pubs and bars.
"It was confirmed verbally to ourselves, @SLTAssociation, @ScottishGroup, @ukhscotland, @ScotsLicensing, @CKPLoudon and others. Guidance should have it in black and white when it's published (disappointingly not expected until tomorrow)."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The First Minister’s statement to parliament yesterday on the move to beyond level 0 represents a significant step towards greater normality. However, the virus has not disappeared and we all have a responsibility to take sensible precautions to help protect ourselves and each other.
"We are encouraging the hospitality sector to consider retaining safety measures that are currently in place to help protect the public and staff. While wearing of face masks is not required while eating or drinking (whether seated or standing), in order to avoid crowding in hospitality venues it may be sensible to keep measures such as table service or operate a queuing system.
"We are currently engaging with the nightclub sector on guidance to ensure they can safely reopen on 9 August. It is due to be published in the coming days."
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