We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

July 4 was dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ as it saw the eagerly anticipated reopening of pubs, bars and restaurants following more than three months in total lockdown. The day was, however, labelled a “disaster” for the hospitality industry by landlords. While most of the country saw a relatively normal and uneventful evening, a small number of pubs were forced to close early due to disorder. Scenes from Soho in central London saw streets packed with revellers, who appeared not to be abiding by social distancing rules, prompting some to criticise the Government for reopening on a Saturday night.

Which pubs have had to close again due to positive COVID-19 tests?

A number of pubs in England have had to close their doors again after customers tested positive for COVID-19.

At least three establishments announced their closure just days after Super Saturday.

Crowds descending in some towns and cities have prompted fears social distancing measures are no longer being adhered to.

The Lighthouse Kitchen and Carvery in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, is one of the three pubs that has had to close again.

READ MORE

• Sturgeon FURIOUS after ‘refusing’ to say whether she will demand vote

The pub said it was “slowly” working through a list of customers who had left their details behind at the weekend, and confirmed that all staff had tested negative.

Manager of the Lighthouse Kitchen, Jess Green, told BBC Points West that she decided on the closure to “put everyone’s health and safety first”.

“I felt I had to keep my customers and my staff safe which is why I chose to shut the pub. I’m gutted really, but safety comes first”, Ms Green added.

“We could have opened today but chose not to as I think it is the right thing to do.”

READ MORE

• Coronavirus map LIVE: UK deaths jump 155 after landmark low of 16

In Batley, West Yorkshire, the Fox and Hound said a customer had phoned to inform them they had tested positive for the virus.

Another pub known to be closing is the Village Home Pub in Alverstoke, Hampshire.

The Village Home’s landlord said his team were awaiting test results after someone in a staff member’s family bubble tested positive.

Customers who visited this weekend have been told there is no need to self isolate, unless they have shown symptoms or been contracted by tracers.

DON’T MISS: ‘Crystal clear drunk people can’t distance’ Police chief ERUPTS [OPINION]
Soho: Thousands of drinkers swarm the streets as pubs close early [ANALYSIS]
Pubs push up prices as thousands of Britons head down the boozer [INSIGHT]

Landlord Robby Roberts said: “A member of staff, one of my barmaids, has someone in her family bubble who has tested positive.”

Mr Roberts said the workers had been on shift on Saturday, while the pub was open for business to 150 customers over an 11-hour period.

He added: “All five staff who were on shift on Saturday have now been tested and we are waiting for the results. The pub is being deep cleaned and I have contacted the council. I am awaiting advice from them.”

A second pub in Alverstoke, The Fighting Cocks, has also announced it will close temporarily despite “having no suspected or confirmed cases”.

The pub posted on Facebook saying it “cannot guarantee that someone who has been in contact with a confirmed case has not been in the pub, nor will they come in over the coming days.”

UK pub and hospitality trade unions have published guidance for bars and restaurants on how to effectively operator contact tracing.

Owners are also asked to note down customers’ arrival times and how long they stay in addition to personal details.

People can refuse to give the information, but landlords and workers can choose not to serve you if you do not comply.

Source: Read Full Article