Pubs in Scotland can stay OPEN if Euro 2020 matches go to extra time
It follows calls from The Scottish Hospitality Group to allow fans to stay at pubs later, if games go on longer.
Pubs in Scotland will be allowed to stay open later - if Euro 2020 games go into extra time and penalties from Monday 26th June.
It follows calls from The Scottish Hospitality Group.
Scottish Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Ivan McKee, has written a letter to the group confirming a temporary measure has been put in place to allow football fans to stay in pubs later if matches go to extra time and penalties.
The letter reads: "While Scotland remains in a precarious position with regards the pandemic and decisions on when and how to ease restrictions continues to be an ongoing challenge for government, it is acknowledged that a pragmatic approach is required to deal with unique scenarios, where it is safe to do so.
"In respect of the potential for Euros matches in the knockout stages to reach beyond current closing times in level 2 (22:30) and level 1 (23:00) due to extra time and penalties, it has been agreed, as a temporary measure between 26 June and 11 July, that premises may extend closing time up to 23:30 where required to facilitate viewing of the whole game and safe departure of patrons thereafter."
The letter states that the extended closing time should only be applied on days where the games do go into extra time, and not otherwise.
Guidance is set to be updated on the Scottish Government website on Friday 25 June, with the changed rules to come in to practice on Monday 26 June until Sunday 11 July.