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Scotland’s High Streets, Gyms, And Pubs Reopen

After four months of lockdown over the winter, shops, gyms, swimming pools, pubs restaurants and cafes in Scotland have been able to reopen for the first time on Monday 26 April. While England’s non-essential retail and hospitality businesses had already reopened, Scotland’s devolved government set its own roadmap out of lockdown.

The Independent reports that travel restrictions have also been eased, as the country moves from Level 4 to Level 3 in the country’s 5-tier system, meaning trips to other parts of the UK for non-essential reasons are also now allowed.

Driving lessons have also been allowed to resume, and nail salons, museums, and holiday accommodation can also reopen and resume trading.

Scottish minsters say that the restrictions can be eased as the most vulnerable people in the country have been offered their first vaccine dose.

However, there are still some restrictions in place under the Level 3 guidance, and businesses will still be subject to strict rules that govern capacity and social distancing, as well as a mandate for face coverings inside.

Unlike England, pubs and restaurants will be able open indoors until 20:00 – but they will only be able to serve alcohol to customers seated outside.

So what are the Level 3 restrictions in Scotland?

  • Up to six people from two households can socialise indoors in a public place such as a café or restaurant
  • Unrestricted travel within Scotland, England and Wales, subject to other local restrictions in place
  • All shops and close contact services, such as nail salons and tattoo parlours, can open
  • Hospitality venues like cafes, pubs and restaurants can open until 20:00 indoors
  • Alcohol can be served outdoors according to local licensing laws
  • Non-essential childcare permitted
  • Non-essential in-house work (like painter and decorators) permitted
  • Tourist accommodation to reopen, although self-catering accommodation to be restricted in line with rules on indoor gathering
  • Funerals and weddings including wakes and receptions can take place with up to 50 people
  • Gyms and swimming pools can reopen for individual exercise
  • Indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries can open
  • Takeaway food can be collected indoors

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