Pubs must turn their music down for 1m rule

PUBS and bars that want to cut social distancing rules in half will have to ensure premises are not too loud so people have to shout, Scottish Government guidelines have indicated.

Nicola Sturgeon indicated that pubs, restaurants and shops could reduce the two-metre social distancing rule to one metre if “mitigations” are put in place when they re-open on Wednesday.

Government officials have held talks with industry representatives and trade unions – and have now set out a list of measures that will have to be followed for the two-metre rule to be cut in half.

Staff will be required to wear face coverings, along with improved ventilation and clear signage for customers that they are entering a one-metre zone.

One-metre pubs will include a ban on standing at the bar area – with all customers to be seated while businesses will need to review seating layouts.

The guidance acknowledges that “face coverings for customers is not practical in an eating and drinking environment”, but they should be made available to staff.

Businesses cutting the social distancing rule will require “adequate and good quality ventilation”.

Pubs and restaurants should ensure people do not need to shout.

The guidance says: “Areas where people have to raise their voice above normal levels to speak and be heard can contribute to the spread of coronavirus.

“The level and volume of music and other background noise, such as live sports on TV or around games tables, is a key consideration and steps should be taken to ensure volume levels do not present a risk to staff and customers.”

Businesses will have to put up “clear signage” to tell customers they are in a one-metre zone.