Scotland shuts bars and restaurants in response to rising COVID-19 cases

On Wednesday the Scottish government shut down bars and restaurants in a desperate bid to curb the rise in Covid 1-9 cases and deaths.

A recent survey highlighted that nearly 40% of hospitality businesses were considering closure or business exit. In September, an SLTA survey of 600 on-trade premises highlighted that within the pub and bar sector, 12,500 jobs could go.

In England, pubs and restaurant are being forced to shut at 10pm. The early closure has caused a minor revolt within the UK's governing Conversative party. The government may continue exasperate their own MP with proposals for a three-tiered lockdown which could see all pubs and restaurants closed in high risk areas.