Further Easing of Lockdown (as at 12th May)
The First Minister Outlined - at her press briefing on Tuesday 11th May outlined the next steps for the easing of lockdown, advising that the whole of mainland Scotland, (with the exception of Moray), will move to Protection Level 2 as of Monday 17th May. The Argyll and Bute Islands of Coll, Colonsay, Erraid, Gometra, Iona, Islay, Jura, Mull, Oronsay, Tiree and Ulva will move to Protection Level 1, and provided there is a continuing downward trend in infection rate, further easing will take place in June.
Tourism & Hospitality Sector Guidance - all licensed premises, including drinks led only, may operate as follows from 17th May –
Mainland (with the exception of Moray) -
Protection Level 2 (Hospitality) - restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars can open indoors until 22:30 with 2 hour pre-booked slots, and outdoors within local licensing conditions for the consumption of food and alcoholic drinks.
Argyll and Bute Islands -
Protection Level 1 (Hospitality) - restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars can open indoors until 23:00 and outdoors within local licensing conditions for the consumption of food and alcoholic drinks.
*Argyll and Bute Licensing Board policy for outdoors terminal hour is 22:00 for persons aged 18 years and over and 20:00 for children and young persons.
Test and Protect and Check-in Scotland
Test and Protect - collection of customer and visitor contact details – this has been updated and will now include the recording of contact details of all persons in any group entering premises. Previously only the lead person in any group was required to provide these details.
Check In Scotland - complements Test and Protect and 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.
Social Distancing
Social distancing and capacity in Hospitality premises – guidance on how to work out the maximum number of people who can physically distance within a public setting including businesses, places of worship and public events. The First Minister reiterated that social distancing guidance had not altered. The only material change being that there will be a requirement on businesses to display at the entrance to premises the maximum capacity of the premises.
Continuation of Planning Relaxation for Temporary Outdoor Structures
Letter from Minister for Local Government, Housing & Planning advising of the continuation of relaxation of planning regulations for temporary buildings until 30/09/21.
Environmental Health
Our Environmental Health team leads the Council’s response to Covid 19 and continues to seek the co-operation of business and the public by remembering the following:
Test & Protect – the statutory requirement on businesses to take the details of customers;
Protect Scotland App – businesses urged to promote the app in the collection of details;
Face Coverings– are required by staff and customers.
Other Covid 19 Guidance and Assistance
COVID-19 Vaccine (You Tube Video) - people aged between 18 and 49 are being encouraged to roll up their sleeve and get their as soon as they're offered it.
Order lateral flow tests - travelling to an island? You can order lateral flow tests to take before you go so you can travel safely.
Health & Safety Executive – short video on requirement for Covid-19 Risk Assessments for business premises
Food Standards Scotland – risk assessment for food businesses
Visit Scotland Advice – current information for the Tourism and Hospitality sector
Ready Scotland - stay safe, get help, and help others during COVID-19
Covid 19 - help and assistance from Argyll and Bute Council
Other Local Information
Beware of delivery scams - a text claiming to be from a delivery company inviting you to track your parcel is a malware scam targeting users of Android phones, warns OFCOM.
Preferred route corridor through Glen Croe - Transport Scotland is seeking views on the recommended preferred route corridor through Glen Croe, at the Rest and Be Thankful, and the five possible route options. Feedback will help the project team develop and refine these possible route options, which will be subject to further assessment based on additional data-gathering and survey work.
Further Licensing Information
Personal Licence - refresher training and mandatory 10 year renewals
Personal licence - accredited trainers
Licensing Board - meetings during 2021
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.