Scotland and Wales drop almost all restrictions and nightclubs reopen

Most remaining Covid-19 restrictions on hospitality in Scotland and Wales have been dropped, permitting nightclubs to reopen for the first time in over a year.

Wales moved to alert level zero at 6am on 7 August, meaning there are no legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in public places or at events, and face coverings are no longer a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served.

Meanwhile, Scotland moved beyond Level 0 from today with almost all remaining coronavirus restrictions dropped, meaning nightclubs can open for the first time since 2020 and pubs and restaurants can increase capacity due to a relaxing of rules around physical distancing and sizes of social gatherings.

However, venues will still be required to take customers' contact details and facemasks must be worn in certain indoor settings – and first minister Nicola Sturgeon has not ruled out the use of Covid passports.

England eased all remaining restrictions on hospitality on 19 July. Restrictions remain in place in Northern Ireland including face masks and limits on the number of people who can sit together in an establishment. Nightclubs and conference facilities in Northern Ireland remain closed.

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