Scotland’s restaurants and bars, which have just begun to recover, have suffered another blow after the COVID-19 outbreak, with new rules that started on October 9.

Scotland is facing a series of draconian measures in order to halt the resurgence of coronavirus cases in the country. It has dealt a devastating blow to hotels, bars and restaurants who were already struggling to stay afloat. According to new restrictions for the hospitality industry, pubs and restaurants can only open inside between 06:00 and 18:00 daily, and they will not be allowed to serve alcohol. They may serve food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks may be sold outdoors until 22:00.

Hotel restaurants may serve food after 18:00, but only for residents, and alcohol will not be permitted. The so-called ‘rule-of-six’ still applies, meaning you can only congregate in a group of no more than 6 people from a maximum of two households. Face coverings will be compulsory in indoor communal settings such as staff canteens and staff rooms.