Edinburgh level three: These are all the business affected by the new restrictions from Monday

Edinburgh and the Lothians will be placed in Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s new tiered lockdown system from next week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

But what are the new rules for businesses in the region, and how have they reacted?

Restaurants

Level 3 measures will allow restaurants in the Capital, which have been closed since mid-September, reopen from Monday, November 2.

In a statement on social media, one of Edinburgh’s most popular cinemas reacted to the news that Edinburgh would enter Level 3.

Despite this, the restrictions, which will also come into force across Scotland’s central belt and in Dundee, will ban hospitality businesses from serving alcohol to customers.

People will also not be allowed to stay in hotels except for “essential” reasons.

From next week, restaurants in Level 3 areas will close at 6pm, with last entry at 5pm.

Edinburgh restaurateur Tom Kitchin heavily criticised the new measures for restaurants, claiming the ban on serving alcohol would be “catastrophic”.

“We need these sales to help pay staff & our suppliers. This is serious,” he added.

Cinemas

The new rules mean cinemas, arcades and bingo halls will be forced to close.

In a statement on social media, one of Edinburgh’s most popular cinemas reacted to the news, saying: “Following the most recent updates from the Government, we are very sad to announce that our cinemas will close from midnight on Mon 2 Nov.

“For customers with tickets booked in the next 2 weeks, you will be contacted soon regarding a refund.

“The Café Bar will remain OPEN, trading from 12 noon to 6pm daily.

“Until we are allowed to safely open the cinemas again, please support us by making a visit to our Café Bar.

“We hope it’s not too long until our cinemas can open again - we have loved having you back!

Meanwhile, visit the cinemas over the weekend before we close - we have a very spooky Halloween programme,” it added.

Other businesses

Drive in events will be cancelled from Monday, and theatres and soft play centres will remain closed while the region stays in Level 2.

But Edinburgh and the Lothians could soon be put into a lower level if infection rates continue to slow.

Announcing the decision this lunchtime, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she hoped Edinburgh and East Lothian would be able to move to Level 2 “at a very early review point”.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.