First Minister announces new restrictions for Scotland

Among the measures include a nationwide curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants from 10pm this Friday.  From tomorrow, it is not longer permitted to visit other households with the exception of people who live alone, alone with children or those who can form extended households.

Addressing parliament, the First Minister said;”From Friday, pubs, bars and restaurants will be required to close at 10pm.

Now, people sometimes ask me why we don’t just close pubs again altogether – and I understand that sentiment.

The answer – to be frank – is that we are seeking to find a balance between action to suppress the virus and the protection of people’s jobs and livelihoods.

If the Scottish Government had greater powers to borrow money, or the ability to extend the Job Retention Scheme, for example, it is possible that we could reach a different balance of judgment on some of these issues.

But we don’t.

So this decision today means that we can reduce the amount of time people are able to spend in licensed premises, thereby curtailing the spread of the virus, while still allowing businesses to trade and provide jobs.

This is the best balance we can strike for now.

But I want to be clear with the hospitality trade about this.

Notwithstanding the economic implications, further restrictions, including possible closure, will be unavoidable – locally or nationally – if the rules within pubs and restaurants on hygiene, face coverings, table service, maximum numbers in groups, and the distance between them are not fully complied with.

I want to thank those businesses, I believe the majority, that are making huge efforts to ensure compliance.

However, to ensure that this is the case for all, we will be providing resources for additional Environmental Health Officers and asking local authorities to significantly step up inspection and enforcement.”

The First Minister also confirmed that route-map changes with an indicative date of October 5 are unlikely to go ahead and that a ‘circuit break’ two-week full lockdown will be under review with additional lockdown measures being considered in the coming weeks.

The STA’s media response to today’s announcement is below and you can view the First Minister’s statement from this afternoon in full here.

Nicola Sturgeon will address the nation this evening at 8.05pm on BBC 1.