The UK Government and Scottish Government introduced a number of regulations and emergency restrictions as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In Scotland, the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, as amended, along with Scottish Government guidance, sets out which businesses must remain closed and the requirements for those that can reopen.
Our Trading Standards Officers and Environmental Health Officers are responsible for ensuring businesses are complying with legal requirements relating to the closure of certain business premises and to the physical distancing measures that should be put in place at business premises which have reopened.
Business Advice
If you are an East Dunbartonshire business and would like advice regarding whether you can reopen or on implementing social distancing, please e-mail the Environmental Health or Trading Standards teams at the following e-mail addresses or telephone 0300 1234510.
environmental.health@eastdunbarton.gov.uk - for food businesses, including restaurants, pubs and cafes
trading.standards@eastdunbarton.gov.uk - for all other businesses, including taxis and private hire vehicles
Consumers
If you have concerns about a business in East Dunbartonshire that is not complying with premises closure requirements or physical distancing within their premises or if you are an East Dunbartonshire resident who would like further information about business closure or business physical distancing requirements, please contact us at the following e-mail addresses or by telephoning 0300 1234510.
environmental.health@eastdunbarton.gov.uk - for food businesses, including restaurants, pubs and cafes
trading.standards@eastdunbarton.gov.uk - for all other businesses, including taxis and private hire vehicles
On 21 May 2020 the Scottish Government published a route map which gives an indication of the order in which restrictions across businesses will change. The restrictions for businesses will be lifted using a four-phase approach.
For full details of the Scottish Government route map visit www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis/pages/4/
The regulations and guidance provide information on when previously closed businesses can reopen. The Scottish Government has already provided sector-specific guidance for some industries and more guidance is planned as other sectors reopen. For the latest position please check the Scottish Government website, which is being updated on a daily basis with advice and guidance - www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Guidance for business sectors
Guidance for all the different business sectors which have reopened can be found in the business and employers section of this link - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/
This includes guidance for the retail, manufacturing, construction, tourism and hospitality, and creative industries, as well as small and micro businesses. The guidance for the retail sector includes close-contact services such as hairdressers and barbers. It also includes procedures for staff and customer safety, and an operations checklist.
Mandatory face coverings
Face coverings are now mandatory in all retail environments, public transport and public transport premises. Regulations provide certain exceptions and defences. Further details can be found using this link - www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-3-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/pages/face-coverings/
For information on the phases of the route map
Phase 1 Scottish Government Guidance – www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-phase-1-update/
Phase 2 Scottish Government Guidance - www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-update-approach-physical-distancing-light-advice-scottish-government-covid-19-advisory-group/
Phase 3 Scottish Government Guidance - www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-phase-3-update/