When can you drink alcohol indoors in Scotland as pub rules set to change

Scotland's bars and restaurant s have slowly started to reopen, with punters now able to enjoy a drink in a beer garden.

Thousands have flocked to the pub over the past week since alcohol was allowed to be served outside from April 26.

In typical Scottish fashion, the weather has gone from warm sunshine to lashing wind and rain - and even snow in some parts.

While some punters have braved the elements, others have been forced to ditch plans to enjoy a beer outside due to the forecast.

With a cold snap set to continue, many will be wondering when the rules on drinking indoors will finally be relaxed.

When can you drink alcohol indoors?

Punters have braved the elements (Getty Images)

The next lockdown easing is set to take place next month, which will also see the rules around drinking indoors change.

Nicola Sturgeon previously laid out a series of dates for Scotland to move through all of the lockdown levels, that could see the country leave level 0 by July.

With Scotland currently at level 3, The First Minister is hopeful the country can move to Level 2 on May 17 if the virus is still under control.

This will allow hospitality venues to serve alcohol indoors until 10.30pm - but only for two hour slots.

A maximum of six people from three households will be able to book a table inside a pub or restaurant from Mid-may, and eight people from eight households outdoors.

Local licensing laws will apply for when alcohol can stopped being served in beer gardens, but there will likely be no strict two-hour time slots.

What's expected to be lifted from May 17?

• Up to four people from two households can socialise indoors in a private home and up to six people from up to three households may socialise in an indoor public space.
• Up to eight people from up to eight households may socialise outdoors.
• Hospitality venues can open until 10.30pm indoors (alcohol permitted with two hour slots) and outdoors (local licensing laws apply.
• All organised sport and exercise activity permitted except adult indoor contact sports.
• Cinemas, theatres, concert halls, music venues, comedy clubs, amusement arcades, and bingo halls can open, subject to capacity constraints.
• Outdoor and indoor event can resume. Maximum capacities - indoors (100), outdoors seated (500) and outdoor free-standing (250) subject to physical distancing capacity requirements.

• Universities and colleges can return to a more blended model of learning.
• Adult organised non-professional arts can resume outdoors.