First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has this afternoon confirmed the vaccine passport scheme will not be extended to include theatres, cinemas and pubs.
We reported how West Lothian businesses including Bathgate's Regal Reconnect Theatre were worried about how the scheme would impact business.
But the First Minister announced today that the vaccine passport scheme will not be extended and people will be allowed to present a negative lateral flow test to enter venues that are already covered by the scheme from December 6.
She is also encouraging people to do a lateral flow test before socialising ahead of Christmas.
She said: "Over the festive period, we are asking for extra effort – and so this next request is vitally important.
“On any occasion that you are socialising with others – whether that is going out for drinks or dinner, visiting someone at home, or even going shopping somewhere that might be crowded – please take a test before you go.
“And if it is positive, do not go. Instead get a PCR test and self-isolate while you wait for the result.
“This way, you are minimising the risk of inadvertently passing the virus on even if you don’t have symptoms.”
We reported how the Regal Reconnect in Bathgate said extending the scheme so proof of vaccination is required would put massive financial pressure on small businesses.
He added: “Placing financial pressure on small businesses and charities to police the behaviour of the public isn’t something we or any business or charity can pay for.
“Matters of vaccination and testing should be the responsibility of the individual; not something business operators, charities or anyone else should be enforcing.”
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