Covid update: Pubs and eateries to close in central Scotland
Author: Rafi Benady | Wednesday 7th October 2020
All pubs and restaurants in central Scotland are to be closed under new rules aimed at tackling a spike in Covid-19 cases.
The new measures will apply to licensed premises across the central belt (pictured), which includes the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Pubs and restaurants are able to remain open in other parts of Scotland - but can only serve alcohol outdoors.
The new rules will be enforced from 18:00 on Friday until 25 October, and will apply to about 3.4 million people.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the regulations were "intended to be short, sharp action to arrest a worrying increase in infection".
But she conceded that they would be disruptive to many businesses and would be met with anger by many people.
Snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will also close in the five health board areas for two weeks from 10 October.
And contact sports for people aged 18 and over will be suspended for the next two weeks - with an exception for professional sports.
