Entertainment venues across Scotland’s Capital were serving their last customers last night and turning out the lights after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all pubs and restaurants across the country to close

The Prime Minister said that nightclubs, theatres, gyms and leisure centres should close their doors from last night to slow the spread of Covid-19 and prevent the NHS coming under unsustainable pressure.

At his daily Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister said the measures were needed to reduce “unnecessary” social gatherings by 75 per cent in order to have an impact on the infection rate.

Bar owner Peter Knight pulls a last pint for customer Stuart Coyne in Teuchters Bar, Edinburgh after the government told all pubs and bars to close.

“The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice,” he said.

“And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday.

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“We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us.”

He was followed by Chancellor Rushi Sunak who said he was establishing a coronavirus job protection scheme to help employers hit by the outbreak.

He said that they would be able to apply to HM Revenue and Customs to cover 80 per cent of the wages of staff they keep on up to £2,500 a month.

Mr Sunak said “our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world”.

He added: “To all those at home, right now anxious about the days ahead, I say you will not face this alone.”

Mr Johnson said the restrictions on pubs and cafes and other premises would be reviewed on a monthly basis as he appealed to people to stay at home “as far as possible”.

“You may think you are invincible, but there is no guarantee you will get mild symptoms, and you can still be a carrier of the disease and pass it on to others,” he said.

As well as covering wages, Mr Sunak said the government was deferring the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses until the end of June.

Peter Knight, joint owner of Teuchter’s bar in William Street was pouring his last few pints for Friday night regulars last night.

He said: “We’re just doing the last few beers and then we may have a beer ourselves.

“I have spent the week in a daze if I am honest, worrying about closing the pub and worrying about keeping it open too.

“The announcement is actually a relief. I think the support package they have announced is amazing, and the Chancellor spoke very well. It felt like they were there for everybody.”

The publican, who has owned the popular bar for 19 years, added: “The 2008 crash was more of a worry, at least this feels like we are all in it. This is easier to take.”

Anna Lagerquist Christopherson owns seven bars across Edinburgh along with husband Mike. The pair closed five bars ahead of the announcement as a precaution with Akva and Pearces the final two pubs to close last night. They are now setting up a takeaway business.

Anna said: “We feel responsible for our 95 staff. We will start applying for support on Monday but need to see how it will work. We don’t have cashflow to pay out wages first and get it back later when our bars are not open so it’s all a bit overwhelming. We have told staff the Boda family is here for them and to take care of their finances. It’s scary for them. Rents in Edinburgh are horrendous.

We hope to keep on as many staff for as long as we can. When we know more our staff will be first to know.”

CBI director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn welcomed the government’s “landmark package” of measures to support the economy.

“The Chancellor’s offer of substantial payroll support, fast access to cash and tax deferral will support the livelihoods of millions. Firms and employees will respond with relief and determination,” she said.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “This is the package of measures that trade unions like Unite have been pressing for as the most effective way to stave off mass hardship and the conditions for a depression.

“We recognise that these are huge decisions for any government, and especially for a Conservative government, but they have listened to the calls for action and have acted appropriately.

“Rishi Sunak’s wage support measures are a historic first for this country, but are bold and very much necessary.

British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said it provided “breathing room” for businesses.

“The government now needs to go foot-to-floor to ensure details of the job retention scheme and loan guarantees reach firms on the ground as soon as possible,” he said.

'The announcement is actually a relief': Edinburgh pubs react after pulling their last pints on Friday night