An Aberdeen bar has decided to close its doors to the public for two months after the spread of coronavirus was upgraded to a pandemic.
The owners of Krakatoa announced in an online statement that the Trinity Quay venue would take a hiatus.
It comes after Italy’s government locked down the country in order to contain the outbreak, with the exception of food stores and pharmacies.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said bars, restaurants, hairdressers and non-essential company departments would also close.
Krakatoa’s statement reads: “This is in light of what’s been unfolding across Italy these past two weeks and in order to protect ourselves by giving us the opportunity to self-isolate.
“Places where large numbers of people congregate in small enclosed (and often) sweaty indoor spaces present perfect conditions for spreading this virus, particularly on busy weekend nights and our mission is to enhance the local grassroots music scene, not spread disease.”
Refunds for future gigs scheduled until the end of May will be issued.
The statement adds: “We will review the situation again at that juncture.
“This is heartbreaking as we had a lot of great stuff booked, but it is what it is and everyone needs to adapt.
“The only surefire way to delay the spread of this pathogen is to avoid busy indoor places.”