Nightclubs in Scotland will be expected to close for three weeks as part of the latest Omicron restrictions, John Swinney has announced.
The Deputy First Minister said the decision to shut late night venues had been taken after speaking with business owners.
Pubs and restaurants must reintroduce social distancing and only serve customers at tables from December 27 under plans announced by Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday.
Nightclubs had the option to follow these temporary rules after Christmas but have now agreed to close and access business support cash instead.
Venues can open on Boxing Day night but restrictions take force at 5am the following day.
It means the country's night time economy faces another bleak New Year period with dancefloors lying empty on Hogmanay - traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year.
Swinney told Holyrood's covid recovery committee today: "Having engaged with the sector, we now propose to require that nightclubs should not operate as such for this three week period.
"While it would be open to them to operate with distancing and table service, and that option will remain, we consider that closure and regulation, combined with financial support, may reduce losses and help these businesses weather what they hope will be a short period until they are able to operate again.
Swinney added: "The Scottish Government is acutely aware of the financial implications for many businesses.
"The First Minister detailed additional support whereby £375m will be made available - including £100m announced last week - to support busineses impacted by Omicron.
"An update on the breakdown and allocation of funding will be made as soon as possible."
Murdo Fraser, the Conservative spokesman for covid recovery, said: “This is a further setback to a sector already on its knees as a result of previously-announced restrictions to tackle the spread of Omicron.
“I understand that this is a fast-moving situation but, when announcing this enforced shutdown, John Swinney should have spelt out the exact details of the support package that will be given to nightclub businesses, rather than merely promising an update on allocation ‘as soon as possible’.
“That’s not good enough – businesses on the brink need to know now exactly what financial support they will receive, and when."
“The SNP Government has been given an extra £440 million in assistance from the UK Government. They need to get that money out the door and into the hands of beleaguered Scottish businesses immediately.”
Swinney's statement answers a question over nightclub openings many had asked in recent days after no mention of them was made by the First Minister during her speech on Tuesday.
Roddy Dunlop, dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said yesterday: "So nightclubs not closed by law, but many require to close anyway as a result of restrictions.
"With vax rates as high as they are and yet not enough to avoid restrictions, you wonder when the cycle of despair for hospitality will ever end."
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