Hospitality businesses are subject to tougher restrictions as a new five-tier system for Scotland comes into effect.
A new five-tier system of restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus has come into effect and means that, for those living in Dundee, a tougher set of rules are now in place.
The first minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed last week that Dundee would be placed on Level 3, while Fife, Angus and Perth and Kinross will be on Level 2.
Dundee is on the second highest tier (ranked from 0-4) meaning alcohol can no longer be sold in hospitality settings indoors or outdoors, with businesses closing at 6pm. Takeaways for both alcohol and food will be allowed to continue under the existing arrangements.
With non-essential travel into or out of Level 3 areas banned, hotels and B&Bs will also be affected with guests mainly limited to locals and those travelling for essential work purposes.
When it comes to socialising, the current measures remain in place – so no indoor mixing in homes beyond those already living in a household, and only up to six people from two households are permitted to meet outside.
Those living under Level 2 status (the third highest of the five tiers) will have a little more freedom. Alcohol will be permitted to be sold indoors with a main meal until 8pm. Outdoors the curfew has been extended to 10.30pm.
How long could these restrictions last?
On the Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework document setting out its approach, it offers the following explanation around the timescales for the tier restrictions in those areas on Level 2 or 3.
“The measures would be intended to be in place for relatively short periods (2-4 weeks), and only for as long as required to get the virus down to a low, sustainable level.”
However, the Scottish Government has also said it will not hesitate to increase the level of restrictions either nationally or in individual regions if the existing measures do not have the desired outcome.
What help is available for the businesses and staff affected?
With England now heading for a second national lockdown from Thursday (5 November), the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced that the furlough scheme – which pays up to 80% of the wages of those not able to work due to the restrictions anywhere in the UK – will be extended until December.
The less-generous Job Support Scheme, which was scheduled to start on Sunday 1 November, has been postponed until the newly-extended furlough scheme ends.
Nightclubs are now eligible for grants of up £50,000, having been closed since lockdown began at the end of March.
More information on how affected businesses can access financial support is available here.
