RESTAURANTS in Clydebank and the surrounding area are already making preparations in place which they hope will allow them to reopen next week.

The Scottish Government has yet to give details of specific measures that eateries will be required to put in place to keep staff and diners safe – but that hasn’t stopped restaurant managers taking their own steps to make sure that they comply with whatever the regulations might say.

Sunita Aryal, manager of the Diva Indian restaurant in Dalmuir, said: “Our capacity is usually over 100, but we will now only allow for 30 diners.

“Waiters will also wear masks and we will provide hand sanitiser for all customers as well as two metres between tables, regardless of whether Nicola Sturgeon allows it to be reduced to one metre.”

Most of the restaurant’s staff have been furloughed, and those still working have been driving to and from the restaurant and isolating at home.

The restaurant has maintained its collection and delivery service during lockdown, but Sunita estimates that outgoings are now around four times more than the business’s income.

Sunita’s husband Nirmal, the restaurant’s head chef, added: “Adapting to changes in the way we work has been difficult, but we knew it was our only option.

“It is difficult to distance from other chefs so we agreed we would both isolate at home and only see one another so we reduced the risk of contamination.

“I also decided to buy a car as I did not want to rely on buses or trains. This has increased my outgoings at a time when my job is at risk.”

Further guidance on rules the hospitality industry will have to observe is expected from the government before July 15.

Meanwhile, pubs across Clydebank opened their beer gardens to customers on Monday as the latest easing of Scotland’s lockdown limits took effect.

Three local pubs applied successfully to West Dunbartonshire’s licensing board for temporary licences to serve alcohol outdoors – the Lounge by the Clyde on Chalmers Street, Chandlers on Kilbowie Road, and the Goldenhill in Hardgate.