Call for two metre rule to be cut
Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has called for the two metre social distancing rules to be reduced to help businesses across the region.
On Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would review the rule, with the possibility of changing it to one or 1.5 metres.
But she warned she would only do so if the science backed a change.
It comes after some lockdown restrictions were eased on Friday.
But the announcement was met with disappointment in the hospitality and tourism sectors, which have been ravaged by the pandemic.
Pubs had expected to be told they could reopen beer gardens this week, but they will need to wait.
Reacting to the news, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Vicki Unite said: “The announcement of some measures being eased is welcome and guidance and potential opening dates will help our retailers plan.
“Many of our businesses are in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors and they will be disappointed they can’t now open outdoor areas - this further loss of potential income will be sorely felt.
“We appreciate the Scottish Government‘s challenge, balancing the health of the nation with the health of the economy, however, knowing how the two metre physical distancing will impact many business models negatively, we hope that the review of the facts will offer the opportunity for this to be reduced.
“Perthshire Chamber has been working on behalf of businesses in our region to lobby both the UK and Scottish governments for as much support as possible and this will continue.”
England is expected to reduce its social distancing rules this week.