Scottish Covid briefing confirmed for Tuesday as top chef Nick Nairn raises concerns over reopening rules

A Scottish Government Covid briefing is to be held on Tuesday as the country’s hospitality sector searches for clarification of the rules it will have to operate under when it reopens.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said his party had needed to postpone its manifesto launch until Thursday after being told the government was planning an update on reopening details on Tuesday.

He said: "Our manifesto was meant to be on Monday and we had to cancel it the day before because of the passing of the Duke and campaigning was suspended.

“We couldn’t take the subsequent days because other parties had their manifestos. We were meant to do Tuesday, but there’s an unscheduled Scottish Government statement now on Covid so we’re having to move our manifesto date again.”

From Monday, April 26, cafés, pubs and restaurants in Scotland will be allowed to open until 8pm indoors without alcohol, and until 10pm outdoors where alcohol is allowed. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to confirm those rules and offer more details.

But celebrity chef Nick Nairn tweeted his concern the restrictions surrounding the reopening could be a “fatal blow” to many hospitality businesses.

His post said: "Everyone in Scottish hospitality planning to open on 26th needs to read @scotgov draft regs on distancing. They are a potentially fatal blow to many in our beleaguered industry. They are currently draft and need intense scrutiny.”

The Scottish Hospitality Group has been contacted for clarification about the industry’s concerns over the latest rules.