Licensing Standards Monthly Newsletter - February 2022 update

Submitted by mcconnelle on

Coronavirus - Changes to Guidance and Regulations

Following on from the First Minister's speech to the Scottish Parliament on 22nd February, and the Scottish Government’s updated Coronavirus Strategic Framework Update –

  • From Monday 28th February, the legal requirement on nightclubs and other late night premises/events venues to enforce the Vaccine Certification Scheme will cease.  In effect this means that licensed premises can revert to their normal licensing operation as directed by premises licence operating plans.  Venues may continue to use vaccine certification on a voluntary basis and the app will still be available for this purpose. 
  • From Monday 21st March, assuming no significant adverse developments in the course of the virus, it is expected that the legal requirement to wear face coverings in certain indoor settings and on public transport will be converted to guidance.  ScotGov continues to strongly recommend the wearing of face coverings in shops and other indoor public places, and on public transport.
  • From Monday 21st March it is expected that the collecting of visitor information will no longer apply, and duty to take “reasonable measures” will lapse.
  • From 21st March, it is also expected that ScotGov will lift the legal requirement for businesses, places of worship and service providers to have regard to guidance on COVID, and to take practical measures set out in the guidance.
  • Self-isolation, people who test positive for COVID-19 will continue to be asked to self-isolate to reduce the risk of infecting other people. Any changes to the recommended period of self-isolation will be considered on an ongoing basis.
  • Spring 2022 - a Test & Protect transition plan to be announced; changes to testing and notification requirements expected and; Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) will still be available free (this aspect will be monitored and may be subject to change dependent on the ongoing risk).

Contact

Any questions? 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.