Introduction and structure of Newsletter
Priority will be given to ongoing information from Scottish Government and other sources in relation to roles and responsibilities in monitoring and suppressing Covid-19. The Newsletter will continue to be published monthly but will be supplemented as necessary where new guidance or information becomes available.
Coronavirus – Scottish Government latest guidance
On 23rd October The Scottish Government produced Scotland’s Strategic Framework sets out a strategic approach to suppress the virus to the lowest possible level and keep it there, while striving to return to a more normal life for as many people as possible.
It includes the well-publicised 5 tier protection levels. The new protection levels came into force on Monday 2nd November and will be reviewed on a weekly basis each Tuesday. The Argyll and Bute Council area remains in protection level 2.
REMINDER: Scottish Government Guidance on Forming ‘Family Bubbles’ over Christmas
During the period 23rd December to 27th December inclusive, there will be a limited relaxation of the COVID-19 rules to allow people to travel within the UK to spend Christmas together, in “Bubbles” of up to three households if they wish. The Scottish Government has published guidance for this period.
Your can read a Q&A on family bubbles and hospitality venues, and another for tourist accommodation here.
Reintroduction and safe management of low level background music and sound in hospitality settings
As of Saturday, 12th December 2020, low-level background music and sound is allowed again in hospitality settings. This relaxation of restrictions does not include live music in any form (e.g. a singer; band; or Karaoke, etc.). The new guidance also allows television sound to be restored. The guidance fully explains what is permissible and actions that operators must take prior to the reintroduction and ongoing thereafter, including staff training, and can be accessed here.
Premises licence holders are reminded that premises licence operating plans must allow background music by having “recorded music” (and, where showing sport on TV, “televised sport”) recorded. If a licence does not allow these activities then the licensee cannot implement this relaxation and will need to investigate varying the licence to seek permission from the licensing board.
Test and Protect – Check In Scotland Scheme
Check In Scotland is a way to collect the contact details of people who visit hospitality businesses, such as pub, bars, restaurants and cafes, that's designed to work with NHS Scotland's Test and Protect. One way of making sure you collect people's details is by displaying a Check In Scotland QR code poster at your venue, and asking anyone who visits to scan this QR code when they arrive. Full details of setting up this this scheme in your premises can be found on the mygov.scot website.
Scottish Government Strategic Framework Business Fund
This Business Fund remains open for applications –
If your business is required to close by law, or required by law to modify its operations, you could be entitled to a grant from the Strategic Framework Business Fund from 2 November 2020. There are two types of grant available:
- Temporary Closure Grant – if your business is required by law to close; and
- Business Restrictions Grant – if your business is specifically required to modify its operations
These funds are managed by local authorities and full details can be found on the Argyll and Bute website, with an overview at the Scottish Government website.
For further information and advice please e-mail sfbf@argyll-bute.gov.uk or call 01546-604833 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Environmental Health – Local Guidance
Our Environmental Health team advises that the Argyll and Bute Council area has not been immune to the spread of Covid-19 and there have been cases and outbreaks within the Council area.
Some of these cases and outbreaks have been linked to commercial premises and there is a potential for any premises to be linked to a case or outbreak because a Covid-19 case has visited the premises; or there are close contacts who work within the business; or there may have been a failure in business COVID-19 measures. We ask that Businesses remain vigilant in ensuring COVID-19 measures are in place and are constantly reviewed and updated. In managing cases and outbreaks, the importance of being able to access accurate customer details and information from businesses is critical, so please assure yourself that your own systems are robust and remember -
Test and Protect - this is a mandatory requirement – see guidance (updated 19th November);
Test and Protect - encourage staff and customers to download the Protect Scotland App;
Face Coverings - public facing, front of house staff, and customers (when not eating or drinking within premises) are required to wear face coverings unless they meet the specific exemptions. View the rules on the Scottish Government website.
Further advice can be obtained from Environmental Health on 01546-605519 or by e-mailing envhealth@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Test and Protect – Check In Scotland Scheme
Check In Scotland is a way to collect the contact details of people who visit hospitality businesses, such as pub, bars, restaurants and cafes, that's designed to work with NHS Scotland's Test and Protect. One way of making sure you collect people's details is by displaying a Check In Scotland QR code poster at your venue, and asking anyone who visits to scan this QR code when they arrive. Full details of setting up this scheme in your premises can be found on the mygov.scot website.
Coronavirus – other guidance
Food Standards Scotland risk assessment tool
What you can and cannot do (updated 25th November)
Face coverings mandatory in workplace communal areas
Coronavirus Job Support Scheme expanded
Argyll and Bute Council assistance
Ready Scotland (information on staying safe, getting help and helping others during COVID-19)
Online Personal Licence Training
Highfield Training are providing their Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence holder Training courses online and are offering examination using remote invigilation. All that is required is a smartphone, a laptop with a camera and photographic identification. The online course is ideal for those with basic computing skills wanting to apply for a Personal Licence or to refresh or renew their existing Personal Licence. More information, including contact details.
Three local trainers have advised they too are providing online training – Christine Roberts at www.northstarconsultancy.co.uk; Lynn Nicholson at www.thebenlomond.com, and Morag Beattie at www.mbtrainingscotland.co.uk
Licensing Board Annual Festive Season Policy
At the licensing board meeting on 10th November it was decided that due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions on the hospitality sector there would be no festive season policy for 2020 in relation to late hours licensing and applications for extended hours or occasional licences. Licensees should be aware that any applications received will be processed in line with the prevailing Covid-19 conditions at the time, which may mean licences not being issued.
Other local information
Personal Licence Refresher Training and Mandatory 10 Year Renewals
Personal licence accredited trainers
Free off-street Christmas Parking: To help support local businesses and encourage people to shop local, Argyll and Bute Council will suspend all off-street parking charges from 11 – 24 December.
Customs declarations: HMRC grants are available to help businesses.
Contact Licensing Standards and Licensing Board team
Legal Advice
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.