'£1.50 beers' - West Lothian pub cuts prices to use up beer before new Covid-19 restrictions come in on Friday

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said all such premises will close in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley, Lothian and Ayrshire and Arran health board areas - affecting about 3.4 million people.

In other parts of Scotland, pubs and restaurants will be open from 6am to 6pm but can only serve alcohol outdoors until 10pm.

Since today's announcement one West Lothian pub, The Crown Inn in Blackburn, has shared a message on their Facebook page which reads: “We are sure you have all heard that we are having to close from 6pm on Friday night as per the government guideline.... so to ensure all this beer gets used up we have some special prices

ALL PINTS - £1.50

ALL BOTTLES - £1.50

ALL SPIRITS - £1

ALL SHOTS - £1

“And remember all food is 50% off! Can’t have anything going to waste. Please come down and support our last few days..... see you soon!”

TV chef Nick Nairn was among those in hospitality reacting to Wednesday’s announcement and told The Scotsman tonight that he was “shellshocked” by the decision.

He said the £40 million support package offered to affected businesses will not go nearly far enough because, even if it helps with employer contributions to staff furlough wages, there are still many other costs such as rent, insurance and the food which will perish.