Scotland Eases Bar, Restaurant Restrictions During Pandemic

Scotland on Tuesday announced it would soon loosen restrictions for bars and restaurants as the country begins reopening measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move comes as Scotland prepares to implement a regional five-level system of COVID restrictions on Nov. 2.

The new bar guidelines, which begin Monday, involve licensed premises in level two of the five-tier system to serve alcohol with a meal until 8 p.m., according to BBC News.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon on Oct. 15 warned that things would not return to normal when bar and restaurant restrictions expire.

Meanwhile, there have been concerns about the system. A business group recently warned that Lanarkshire, a county in the central lowlands, could be left with "ghost towns" under tight restrictions.

Amid the new guidelines, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has advised Scots to "stay at home" for Halloween and not be "tempted" to hold Bonfire Night parties.

"I know guising is a big part of Halloween and children will be sad to miss out, but as door-to-door guising brings an additional and avoidable risk of spreading the virus, our clear advice for families is to avoid it," Swinney said.

While some large establishments will be reopening for customers next week, the government doesn’t want anyone going door-to-door asking for candy.

There have been nearly 60,000 coronavirus cases and over 2,700 deaths.