Scotland to toughen restrictions on takeaway and click and collect

Coronavirus restrictions around takeaway and click and collect are to be tightened in Scotland from 16 January, the first minister has announced.

Businesses can no longer allow customers to enter to collect takeaway food or coffee, and must instead operate from a hatch or doorway.

Only retailers selling essential items, such as clothes, footwear, baby equipment and books, will be able to offer click and collect. Those that can remain trading will have to offer staggered appointments to prevent queuing.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said it is understood hospitality will still be able to offer click and collect food, but customers cannot enter premises.

It will also become illegal to drink alcohol outdoors in public in all level four areas, which includes all of mainland Scotland. This will mean buying a takeaway pint and drinking it outside will not be permitted.

Nicola Sturgeon said: "I know this is not a popular move, but it is intended to underline and support the fact that we should only be leaving home for essential purposes."

Guidance is to be updated to make it clear people must work from home where possible, while work inside people's homes is only permitted if it is for essential upkeep.

Sturgeon said the changes were necessary as the coronavirus situation in Scotland remained ‘very precarious and extremely serious'. A further 79 deaths have been recorded following a positive coronavirus test in the last 28 days.

But she added there was some ‘grounds for hope' with early signs that the lockdown was beginning to take effect.

Hospitality businesses in mainland Scotland have been closed since Boxing Day after entering level four restrictions.

Top-up grants of up to £25,000 will be available to those forced to shut under the rules, it was announced this week.