Further Covid restrictions on hospitality in Scotland come into force

Further restrictions on the hospitality industry have come into force across Scotland in a bid to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Social distancing measures, including the one-metre rule and table service only in bars, will now have to be reintroduced.

Nightclubs will be closed with theatres, gyms, restaurants and cinemas also among the businesses affected.

The new measures became active on Monday, 24 hours after another round of restrictions were brought in.

Attendance at large events has been limited since Boxing Day meaning Celtic’s win over St Johnstone and the Rangers vs St Mirren game were both among a host of Premiership games played in front of 500 fans.

These restrictions will be in place for at least three weeks.

Next week’s Premiership fixtures, including Glasgow and Edinburgh derbies, have been postponed in the hope that the measures will be lifted or eased when the games take place next month.

Finance secretary Kate Forbes said: “These temporary restrictions are targeted at reducing the spread of Omicron while the accelerated vaccination programme takes effect.

“I understand how difficult this has been for businesses in recent weeks but we must reduce our contacts and limit the spread of the virus.

“We’re providing £375m in business support, which is a significant investment, to support those who have experienced cancellations and help them get back on their feet in the new year.

“The best way to support business sustainably is to get the virus back under control. Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”