AG°Ù¼ÒÀÖÔÚÏß¹ÙÍø

Coronavirus: Scotland's pubs and restaurants can fully reopen next week

Up to five households will also be able meet outdoors for the first time since lockdown, as the country eases restrictions.

Customers enjoy their first drink at the Americian NY Grill's outdoor area on Buchanan Street, Glasgow, as outdoor areas reopen to the public for the first time as Scotland continues with the gradual lifting of restrictions to ease out of lockdown.
Image: Some outdoor bars and pubs have already opened in Scotland
Why you can trust Sky News

Scotland's pubs, restaurants and cinemas will be allowed to open fully next week, as the country moves to phase three in its easing of lockdown restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it marked "the most significant milestone yet in Scotland's emergence from lockdown".

As well as pubs and restaurants, tourist accommodation, museums and galleries can also open their doors from Wednesday.

Some pubs and restaurants in Scotland have already reopened - but only if they have been able to serve customers outdoors.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Scotland to reopen pubs and restaurants

From tomorrow, up to 15 people from five different households will be able to meet outdoors. Indoors, eight people from three different households can meet.

The two-metre distancing rule remains in place in Scotland but there will be exemptions for retail and hospitality venues, under strict conditions, as well as on public transport.

Face coverings will be mandatory in shops from tomorrow and Ms Sturgeon said wearing a covering "should become as automatic as a seatbelt in a car."

More on Covid-19

Ms Sturgeon outlined the phase three changes in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.

:: Listen to the Daily podcast on , , ,

On Monday, outdoor contact sports, play and physical activity can restart for those under 18, and all dental practices can treat registered patients for non-aerosol routine care.

Non-essential shops inside shopping centres can also re-open, subject to guidance and physical distancing. Meanwhile, face-to-face youth work can resume outdoors.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

'Frustration' over four-nation approach

On Wednesday, places of worship can open for prayer services without singing, as can cinemas as long as physical distancing can be adhered to.

Childcare providers will also begin to open, and restrictions will be eased on numbers attending funerals, marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships registrations.

Coronavirus UK tracker: How many cases are in your area – updated daily
Coronavirus UK tracker: How many cases are in your area � updated daily

Scotland becomes the latest part of the UK to allow the hospitality industry to reopen, after pubs and restaurants opened their doors in England last Saturday.

Ms Sturgeon's announcement comes as Wales announced that all Welsh children will be back to school full time in September.

Kirsty Williams, the country's education minister, said that the fall in coronavirus infections meant that all pupils could go back into classrooms in the autumn with limited social distancing.