The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 6) Regulations 2020

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the principal regulations”).

Regulation 3(1) of the principal regulations requires businesses to close any premises, or part of the premises, where food or drink are sold for consumption on those premises. Regulation 2(2) of these Regulations amends that requirement so that businesses are only required to close any indoor premises, or indoor part of the premises, used for the consumption of food or drink.

Regulation 4(4) of the principal regulations requires accommodation providers to cease carrying on their business of providing holiday accommodation, except in the circumstances described in paragraph (5) of that regulation. Regulation 2(3) of these Regulations adds further exceptions to that paragraph, with the effect that accommodation providers may provide self-catering accommodation in certain situations.

Regulation 8(4) of the principal regulations provides that it is a defence to a charge of committing an offence under paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of that regulation if the person has a reasonable excuse. Regulation 2(4) of these Regulations amends regulation 8(5) of the principal regulations to provide that it is a reasonable excuse in relation to a person who owns a residential property other than the place where they are living, to visit the property, either alone or with other members of their household.