Calls have been made for the Scottish Government to promise the hospitality industry it won't be faced with an unfair festive hangover due to the relaxation in lockdown rules.  

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that coronavirus lockdown rules will be eased across Scotland for a five-day period over the festive season. 

It means current travel restrictions will be temporarily eased and bubbles of up to three households will be allowed to meet indoors, outdoors and in places of worship.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Christmas 'bubble' agreed to let households mix over five days

Ahead of the rule relaxations, the Scottish Hospitality Group has called for a secure financial safety net should there be tighter restrictions imposed on the industry come the New Year.

In addition, a petition that is calling on the Scottish Government to "tweak the tiers", with calls to allow licensed premises in tiers two and three to trade until 10pm. It has retrieved almost 15,000 signatures in just five days. 

It comes after we reported how co-owner of The Sanctuary Nightclub joined 100 other nightclub owners, managers and hospitality workers across the UK in a campaign calling for additional support during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Glasgow nightclub The Sanctuary backs campaign calling on Boris Johnson to save nightclub industry

Scottish Hospitality Group spokesman, Stephen Montgomery said: “We need the Scottish Government to tweak the tiers and let viable businesses trade over a crucial time of year. That will allow us to provide spaces for safer socialising, minimising the risks of a third wave.  

“We all want to have the best Christmas at home possible but it could signal last orders for many local operators.

"If that’s what happens as a result of the government going against its own approach to date, then that would be yet another agonising blow for all those hard-working staff who’ve endured so much throughout the pandemic.” 

View the online petition HERE.