Scotland's vaccine passport scheme could be rolled out to cinemas, theatres and more hospitality venues from December 6, the first minister has confirmed.
Nicola Sturgeon said a final decision would not be taken until next Tuesday, but told MSPs that the rules may need to be tightened to get through winter without a new lockdown.
The announcement came just hours after the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce published a survey showing the strength of business opposition to the plans.
A snap poll of nearly 700 companies showed that 65% were opposed to any further restrictions – and that 24% face severe financial consequences if vaccine passports and home working measures are widened.
Responding to the first minister's announcement, Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Despite the strength of opposition from businesses, this feels like nothing more than a temporary reprieve. The proposed extension of the vaccine passport scheme to more hospitality venues, just as the Christmas boom period begins, is both unfathomable and a devastating blow to the sector.
“We welcome the fact that the first minister has paused to consider the most up-to-date health data, especially given the depth of business opposition demonstrated by the poll we published today. However, the data the government has shared, which shows a drop in the number of people in hospital, does not justify further restrictions.
“The further strengthening of restrictions will act as a painful economic deterrent for businesses across Scotland. Be in no doubt, any backwards steps in our economic recovery from the pandemic will place thousands of firms and jobs at risk.
“Businesses have invested millions of pounds in making their premises as safe as possible. Their staff and customers fully understand their personal responsibility. They now face having to hire more staff to administer additional checks, at a time when many customers are going to decide it isn’t worth the hassle going out. This will be catastrophic for many. We simply cannot resign large parts of our economy to another bleak winter.”