One of Ayr's busiest bar/restaurants has tonight closed after staff members tested positive for Covid.
Bosses at Smiths in the town confirmed they had taken the decision to close with "immediate effect".
It followed the confirmation that two staff members had returned positive tests.
Posting on their Facebook page, Smiths said: "Unfortunately we have recieved news this afternoon that two staff members have tested positive for Covid.
"We have decided to close our premises with immediate effect on receiving this information.
"We have contacted EHO and various authorities to get advice on the situation.
"Our main aim is to eliminate any risk to our customers & staff.
"Track & trace will be in contact with any customers affected.
"We have contacted a local cleaning company to carryout a deep clean of the premises immediately.
"We have had to cancel all bookings until further notice & apologise to customers for this.
"We will re-open again as soon as it is safe to do so taking advice from the relevant authorities.
"We again apologise for any inconvenience caused."
It comes as South Ayrshire battles a rise in case numbers with health bosses probing links to the more transmissible Delta strain of the virus.
We told earlier this week how 20 schools in the area have undergone contact tracing operations in the last fortnight.
Symington Primary closed down its classrooms on Wednesday night, with hundreds of other pupils across South Ayrshire self-isolating.
Ayr venue Ghillie Dhu and Prestwick bar The BUF have recently reopened their doors following short term closures due to Covid cases.
The Long House in Kilmarnock will reopen tomorrow following its short term shut down.
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