Scottish hospitality disappointed in delay of lifting face mask law

Face coverings are to remain a legal requirement in indoor hospitality settings in Scotland for almost another three weeks, it has been announced.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon said the law would be replaced with guidance for public areas such as hospitality, retail spaces and on public transport on 18 April.

But from Monday (4 April) it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering in places of worship or while attending a marriage ceremony, civil partnership, funeral or commemorative event.

Sturgeon said the "phased approach" had been influenced by the Covid rate in Scotland, where ONS data said one in 11 people had the virus.

She acknowledged face coverings were an ‘inconvenience' but said the gradual approach was a ‘proportionate precautionary measure'.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) said it was ‘bitterly disappointed' in the decision, which it warned would confuse guests visiting from England, where rules on face coverings in hospitality have been dropped.

Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the SLTA, said: "It is already confusing people and it is exceptionally unfair for business owners and their staff to have to remind people who are not familiar with our rules that they must wear a face covering.

"To say we are bitterly disappointed by today's announcement is an understatement as we still face nearly three more weeks of restrictions."

He added that the trade body had hoped all restrictions would be lifted ahead of the busy Easter weekend from 16-17 April when hospitality businesses would traditionally see an upsurge in business.

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