Continuation of easing of restrictions – Scottish Government Baseline Measures

The Baseline Measures reported in the last Special Newsletter continue meantime.  These measures apply across the country and licensees are advised to refer to the central guidance and familiarise themselves with the detail.  You will need to consider the guidance in relation to your business and, where necessary, make plans for how to implement them. Here is a link to frequently asked questions section as a quick guide.

‘Vaccine Status Certification’

You can also watch the First Minister’s statement to Parliament on 1st September, which includes the Scottish Government’s intention to introduce‘vaccine status certification’ in relation to entry to nightclubs; adult entertainment venues; unseated indoor live events with more than 500 people in the audience; unseated outdoor live events with more than 4000 people in the audience; and any event of any nature which has more than 10000 people in attendance.  This will be debated and put to a vote in the Scottish Parliament next week and If passed guidance will be updated accordingly.

Collecting Customer Contact Details Remains High Priority

Collecting customer contact details remains a legal obligation for hospitality premises, and it is important that both premises and individuals co-operate with this requirement, as it is crucial to national efforts to suppress the virus. This measure forms part of enabling hospitality businesses to open safely, minimising the risk of the number of infections increasing, and reduce the risk of requiring future restrictions.

This guidance applies to any hospitality establishment that provides an on-site service such as pubs, restaurants and cafes. It includes where a service is provided indoors, or outdoors in a designated service area such as a beer garden. As of 09 August 2021, it also applies to nightclubs, dance halls, discotheques and sexual entertainment venues.

It does not, however, apply where services are taken off-site immediately, for example, a food outlet which only provides takeaways. If a business offers a mixture of a sit-in and takeaway service, contact information only needs to be collected for customers who are sitting in.

Find out how to ensure you and your business continue to comply with this essential requirement.

Continuation of Planning Relaxation for Temporary Outdoor Structures

The ‘Grace Period for outdoor areas continues until 31st March 2022  - the letter contained in the link refers to Building Standards only.  There has been no update as yet from Planning.  It is recommended that licensees who currently have temporary structures erected in their outdoor areas take note and consider taking steps to make application if looking to retain structures beyond the deadline date above.

For further information or advice please contact the Councils Planning & Building Standards team on 01546-605518

Face Coverings

Face coverings in Scotland - by law you must still wear one in most indoor public places in Scotland, even if you have been vaccinated. Some exemptions apply.

Testing

Getting tested is key to stopping Covid-19, even if you have been vaccinated. Find out how to get tested if you have symptoms or if you don’t.

Contact

You can contact licensing standards or the Licensing Board team for further information.

Legal

The Licensing Standards service does not provide legal advice or opinion and the above information should not be considered such.  Any legal advice or opinion on licensing matters should be obtained from a licensing solicitor.