ANY pub in Scotland remaining open – despite being told to by the government – will be closed by police today. 

Bars, cafes restaurants, cinemas and theatres across Scotland all shut on Friday following the latest official health warnings and government advice.

However, it wasn't legally enforceable. The government in Edinburgh doesn't currently have the powers to force the closure. Though emergency legislation going through the Commons will give ministers that ability later this week. 

While most pubs voluntarily closed, others refused.

Ian Ellis, who own Cheers in Greenock, Inverclyde, told the Sun: “We’re going to stay open until it becomes unsafe to do so or we’re forced to close.”

In her statement on Sunday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was glad the "vast majority have complied" but, she added, the "tiny minority of pubs" who stayed open were putting lives at risk.

"My message to them is to close now. We will have emergency powers within days to force you to close and we will use these powers if we have to. But you should not wait for that you should do the right thing now, and help us save lives."

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon declares Scottish islands no-go zone

Not long after Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham from Police Scotland said the force had taken legal advice and were now in a place to move swiftly.

He said police would be able to force compulsory closure under the Licensing Scotland Act - though it would only last for 24 hours. 

However, the DCC made clear it would be used as often as necessary.

Graham said: “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 remains in place for 24 hours but can be repeated as necessary.”

He added: “We will also report them to their relevant Licensing Board for further action to be considered.

“We are aware of the proposed legislation in relation to coronavirus, and are carefully considering the implications in this very fast moving situation.

“These are exceptional times and I would again urge everyone to stay safe and listen to the clear advice coming from health experts and government.”

Sturgeon said this was "very welcome action".