Final confirmation face coverings no longer a legal requirement to wear in most indoor public spaces and on public transport from Monday 18th April.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the wearing of face coverings will become only guidance next week.
In a letter to the Presiding Officer and relevant Committee Convenors, Ministers confirmed the remaining legal requirements will be lifted as expected on 18th April.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
In recent weeks we have seen steady progress as we move back to a greater sense of normality and a more sustainable way of managing this virus.
However, our NHS is still under pressure and the most vulnerable members of our society can still benefit from additional measures to protect them from the virus.
That is why although the use of face coverings will become guidance rather than a legal requirement, I strongly recommend members of the public continue wearing face coverings in indoor settings where possible, and particularly when significant numbers of people are present.
We should also all continue to follow the latest advice on hygiene, ventilation, testing and of course vaccination to protect ourselves and each other.”
In response the SLTA issued the following statement:-
Today’s announcement by the First Minister that the legal requirement to wear face coverings on public transport and in some public places – including licensed hospitality – will move to “guidance” from April 18 has been warmly welcomed by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA).
Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, said that the decision was “not before time and long overdue” and hoped that “licensed hospitality in Scotland can now really start to get back to business”.
He said: “Scotland has been out of step with England for months and it has led to confusion for customers, particularly visitors from south of the Border, and frustration for business owners and their staff – the lack of use of face coverings has been clearly evident in many settings.
“The decision to move the legislation to ‘guidance’ is warmly welcomed although not before time and long overdue and while we had hoped it would have been in force ahead of the Easter holidays, a time when licensed hospitality traditionally experiences an uplift in business, it is better late than never.”
Mr Wilkinson added: “There is still an exceptionally long and uphill struggle ahead for many hospitality businesses with ongoing issues to overcome and the Scottish Government needs to support our industry which is key to the economy and jobs.
“The last thing the sector needs right now is to be hindered in its recovery with issues which have been sitting on the back burner since Covid hit us, such as the deposit return scheme (DRS), calorie labelling on menus, and the introduction of a tourist tax.”