Police Scotland has been granted powers to enforce closures on pubs across the country. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson instructed all bars, cafes and venues to close from Friday in a bid to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recognised yesterday afternoon that a "small minority might not be complying" after it emerged  via social media several bars within the country flouted the government advice.

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Ms Sturgeon warned that those who refused to act upon the orders were "putting lives at risk". 

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Police Scotland’s lead for coronavirus, said: "I am aware that a small number of public houses are intent on defying this instruction and have indicated that they will remain open until legally ordered to close.

“This is absolutely reckless and endangers not only the lives of customers, but wider communities, in an extremely fast moving and unprecedented situation where both the health and safety of the nation is at stake.

"Therefore, I have obtained further legal advice today and Police Scotland will now instruct officers to serve emergency closure orders on any licensed premises which refuses to comply on the grounds of the threat posed to public safety.

“Officers are now visiting these premises today to have them closed.

A compulsory closure under the Licensing Scotland Act will see venues closed for up to 24 hours, but can be repeated if necessary. 

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM added: “I have a clear, positive duty to both protect life and improve the safety and wellbeing of people across Scotland, while supporting the government and health agencies in our fight against this pandemic.”