Football supporters will be able to watch Euro 2020 at a massive outdoor area in Glasgow from Friday despite concerns over the spread of covid.
The fan zone - which will be fenced off and open only to ticket holders - will be subject to strict rules.
It will feature giant screens to watch all Euro games, a family area, live entertainment, and a bar area with table service.
Health secretary Humza Yousaf said those who buy tickets will be encouraged to take a free lateral flow test before they attend, but ruled out testing becoming mandatory at the site.
A final decision was expected this week, but in response to a question in Holyrood, the SNP minister spoke of the fan zone as though it was going ahead - but warned it could be brought to a halt if there are worries about transmission of the virus.
He said: “I understand the concerns that some have expressed, especially in light of the hard sacrifices everyone has made.
“The proposal for a fan zone is not about prioritising football over other priorities, it’s about seeking to cater in as safe a way as possible for fans who want to watch the matches.”
Yousaf also said, in response to a question from Lib Dem health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton, that he considered the fan zone to be a “low risk event”.
He added: “I want to make it clear that the situation with the virus, the application of necessary mitigations and the actual experience of the event will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
“Any changes considered necessary will be made, up to and including withdrawing permission, should significant concerns arise.”
The fan zone will have a capacity for 3,000 people at both afternoon and evening sessions. It has been billed as “covid secure’ and will allow “Scotland fans and visitors alike to connect with and celebrate the tournament.”
Organisers have said strict social distancing rules will be adhered to.
UEFA rules have banned bagpipes from the games over fears they could help spread the virus, and have said no one can enter venues with “any devices” that make a sound.
Last year, Scottish authorities were thought to be the only in the world to ban background music in pubs after fears it could help spread coronavirus.
Stephen Montgomery, a spokesman for the Scottish Hospitality Group, said yesterday the rest of Glasgow’s hospitality industry should not face heavier restrictions if the fan zone causes a spike in cases.
“As far as we’re concerned, risk versus risk still equals risk,” he said.
“We always were told that alcohol was one of the reasons why we weren’t allowed to open up inside and serve alcohol, because people’s inhibitions would go.
“But why are they allowing alcohol at the fan zone?
“We were told way back at the beginning of May by Glasgow City Council that there will be no alcohol at the fan zone – and now we’re having it.
“I think it’s an absolute slap to the hospitality sector within Glasgow.”
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