What Scotland's new lockdown restrictions mean for pubs and restaurants

The new 'rule of six' ban applies to homes, parks, pubs, cafés and restaurants in Scotland.

A fresh ban on social gatherings comes into force today, amid fears a second coronavirus outbreak could be on its way in Scotland.

The 'rule of six' ban applies to homes, parks, pubs, cafés and restaurants in Scotland in the biggest crackdown since lockdown rules were eased.

It comes amid a surge in infections, which saw 244 people test positive over a 24-hour period on Sunday - the highest figure since May 6 when the virus was close to previous peak levels.

Those who break the rules could be slapped with a £60 fine which could go up to a maximum of £960 for repeat offences.

It comes after Protect Scotland - a new track and trace app - was launched last week in a bid to curb the spread of the contagious bug.

While there are no plans to close pubs and restaurants, a trip for dinner and drinks will be different due to the new limits on how many people can socialise at once.

What are the rules in pubs and restaurants?

Boozers and diners will be asked to limit the number of people sitting together to just six from two households.

The Scottish Government has said it will be illegal to be in group of more than six from outside of your household.

However, kids under the age of 12 do not count.

That means that you’ll only be able to book a table for a maximum of six people and from one other household than your own.

These rules apply to outdoor settings as well as indoor pubs and restaurants - so beer gardens will also be restricted.

Diners will also have to wear a face mask when moving around the restaurant, including going to the toilet.

Hospitality businesses are now legally required to take customers' contact details so they can be traced if a potential outbreak is linked to the venue.

Business owners have the right to refuse to serve customers who break their rules, but it is not something all pubs have to enforce.

The Scottish Government has urged diners to avoid social interaction with anyone outside the group you are with, even if you see other people you know.

A local lockdown is still  in place for Glasgow, East and West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire, meaning people are restricted from meeting anyone from other households.

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However, people who live in those areas can still visit a hospitality setting.

The First Minister said last week: “The hospitality industry has put a lot of effort into creating safe spaces for people to meet and we hope these additional protections will help ensure the sector can remain open with high levels of compliance.”