Pubs in Scotland will be able to stay open later to show European Championship matches that go to extra-time, the government has confirmed.
Hospitality bosses had earlier this month appealed to SNP ministers to allow more flexible licensing laws to prevent them having to show customers the door if games dragged on past closing time.
Bars in council areas under Level 2 of lockdown, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, must close by 10.30pm - while those in Level 1, such as those in Fife, must shut by 11pm.
The Euros head to the knock-out phase of the competition from Saturday onwards with many games kicking off at 8pm.
That means if the match is tied after 90 minutes another 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by penalties if a winner has still not emerged - meaning it could be nearer 11pm before a tie is settled.
Hospitality bosses feared that calling last orders while a crucial match is going on could put staff at risk and waste police time if they are called to help clear businesses.
But in a letter sent to industry leaders today, business minister Ivan McKee said pubs could stay open to 11.30 to show matches that head to sudden death.
He said: "It has been agreed, as a temporary measure between June 26 and July 11, that premises may extend closing time up to 11.30pm where required to facilitate viewing of the whole game and the safe departure of patrons thereafter.
"I must however draw your attention to the limited basis of this temporary change. It does not represent a wholesale shift of the levels rules on operating times for hospitality in levels 2 and 1, which outside of affected games during June 26 and July 11 remain as currently set out in the protection levels."
The updated Scottish Government guidance is due to be formally published on Friday."
The Scottish Hospitality Group said in a tweet: "This is a welcomed shift and will allow business owners to manage closing easier."
