An Aberdeen bar has been forced to close as coronavirus restrictions “affect takings too harshly.”
Cheerz, nightspot just off Exchange Street, is the city’s oldest LGBT+ venue.
Now, owner Steven Motion and general manager George Mackenzie have revealed the popular venue will have to close until further notice.
A statement on the Cheerz Facebook page reads: “The management team deeply regret having to make this decision but we will be closing Cheerz with immediate effect at 2am after Sunday night’s trade.
“We attempted to stay open with the new regulations and restrictions in place but at this time it is not viable for us to operate as the restrictions affect takings too harshly making our losses more than remaining closed.
“As we mentioned previously the new regulations restricting background music has completely changed the atmosphere of our venue. This ultimately results in less custom.
“We are closing now to help protect our staff team of 40 retain jobs for as long as we can support them.
“We hope when the music policy is reviewed we will be able to re-open and welcome our customers back.”
The news comes barely a week after management of Nox nightclub, on Justice Mill Lane, announced it would not re-open.
Like in the case of Cheerz, Signature Pub Group explained they understood the need for the restrictions but blamed uncertainty around nightclubs reopening for the decision.
Company director Louise MacLean told The P&J: “None of us wanted this day to come but Covid-19 has brought massive uncertainty to the entire hospitality industry and nightclubs have been some of the worst-affected businesses.
“With no clarity on when the doors can reopen, we’ve been left with no alternative but to cease trading for good.”