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All hospitality establishments will be able to open through the central belt during the day under the changes announced by Nicola Sturgeon.
The controversial definition of coffee is being removed by the Scottish government, after a backlash, which means that all venues can operate during the day until 6pm without selling alcohol.
At level 2, which currently covers the rest of Scotland, hospitality venues can sell alcohol inside with a main meal until 8pm instead of 6pm, allowing for dinner.
Hotels and other accommodations will continue to be able to serve dinner to residents.
The new rules start from Monday, November 2, confirmed the Prime Minister, but will be kept under review.
More changes could be made to the low-level background sound in the bars during additional conversations between the officials and the bar bosses.
(Image: Andy Buchanan / PA Wire)
Nicola Sturgeon said: “I know the industry wants more activity to be allowed, especially at level three. We will continue to discuss this.
“However, I must emphasize that the areas at level three are the areas with the highest levels of infection.
“Our judgment is that loosening up more at this stage, particularly as our progress remains so fragile, could risk bringing these levels closer to level four, rather than making them make the progress we want to see toward level two.”
Confirming the plans, Scottish Government Minister Fergus Ewing said: “I understand that any restriction is difficult for business and I know many will want us to go further, however this is a proportionate relaxation of the current rules that will allow locals serve evening meals and alcohol on level two, in addition to eliminating the distinction between cafes and other licensed venues on level three.
“We have to be very cautious at level three, to make sure that the current restrictions help to reduce the spread of the virus so that they can be lifted as soon as possible.”
“I want to thank the industry for their constructive engagement over the weekend and commit to continuing these discussions as we move forward.”
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