First Minister announces tightening of restrictions on gatherings

Scotland’s First Minister has today announced the tightening rules restricting gatherings to a maximum of six people from no more than two households.

The rule will apply in all indoor and outdoor locations including pubs, hotels and restaurants.

Face coverings will become mandatory for customers within hospitality businesses when not eating and drinking; both sets of rules come into force on Monday 14th September.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, she said:

 “The pause in our routemap and the new restrictions I have outlined today are not welcome. I know that. The Scottish government did not want to have to impose them. But they are necessary.

“And they reflect the fact that Scotland – like the rest of the UK, Europe and the world – is currently in a precarious position.”

Nicola Sturgeon also announced that wedding receptions can take place in venues with up to 20 guests as of Monday, a change from the current number.  The STA has been working closely with a number of venues and the Scottish Government over the past few weeks to provide guidance to enable this to happen; this marks a positive step for businesses operating in the wedding sector.

For full details of today’s announcements and the updated route map, please click here.