Nicola Sturgeon announces roadmap out of lockdown - here's when pubs and restaurants will reopen

The First Minister gave indicative dates that set out when Scotland will exit lockdown.

Published 16th Mar 2021
Updated 20 th Sep 2023

Many of us have been waiting to find out when we can return to pubs and restaurants and now, after Nicola Sturgeon's announcement at Holyrood, we know when these are expected to reopen.

From 26 April, non-essential shops, libraries, museums, galleries and gyms will also reopen, and six people from up to three households will be able to meet outdoors.

Pubs with beer gardens will also be able to reopen from that date. The First Minister said: "Cafes, restaurants and bars will be able to serve people outdoors - in groups of up to six from three households - until 10pm.

"Alcohol will be permitted, and there will be no requirement for food to be served."

There will also be indoor opening of hospitality from April 26, limited initially to food and non-alcoholic drinks until 8pm.

Ms Sturgeon added that she expects that people will be able to meet up indoors in groups of up to four people from two households from 17 May.

This is also when we can expect hospitality venues to open until 10:30pm indoors with alcohol permitted, and 10:00pm outdoors with alcohol permitted.

From early June, it is expected that Scotland will move to Level 1 of coronavirus restrictions and by the end of June, Ms Sturgeon said that all of Scotland will move to Level 0 if it is safe to do so.

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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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