Pubs' trepidation at Government's impending announcement

Just over three months on from licensed premises being allowed to reopen after lockdown, management and staff have been left fearing for the future of their jobs if the new closures come into effect in the area next week, as widely expected.

"It's frightening - and I can't help thinking that the hospitality industry is being used as some kind of scapegoat," said Jake Connolly, manager of the Stanley Arms in Preston city centre.

"It's a scary time to be in the trade. Since we reopened in the summer, we have been well drilled and follow all the regulations and yet we still don;t know what is coming next.

"I think they go for our industry because it is easy to do. I know it is important to keep the virus at bay but we have the safety regulations in place and yet still thgere is all this uncertainty."

Robert Wynne, who owns the Brew Room and Rose and Crown pubs in Blackpool along with the resort's West Coast Rock Cafe, said: "Whatever is announced on Monday, we will have to go with of course and we have keep people healthy.

"I can see why the Government are looking at this measure, as Covid is a disease which spreads with social contact, but I don't think pubs are necessarily the driving force and it's a worrying and frustrating time for the industry as we have put so much commitment into following the current rules.

"It's not just a case of closing the doors and that's it. There are so many considerations and overheads beyond lost income and staff wages. We have rent to pay one one of our pubs for which we have not been able to access a grant since lockdown began, while we have a nightclub that has remained closed throughout.

"There is also the question of restaurants and whether they will be affected similarly to pubs, as has been the case in Scotland.

"There are so many questions and I am eager to know the details so we can work with them."

Sam Fairclough, manager of the Wellington Inn in Glovers Court in Preston city centre, said trade had already been halved there by the Government rule that pubs should close at 10pm.

"It's worrying what is coming next but we can only wait and see and work within the new rules," he said.

"We only took over the premises in time for the opening in July after lockdown and were fairly pleased with the way things were going but the 10pm finish has cut trade by 50 per cent and now this speculation."

Kerry Humphries, landlady of The Mitre in Blackpool's West Street, said: "We'll just have to accept whatever is announced but it is a very difficult time for the industry.

"We did all that was required to open again in July, with the safety measures including signage and sanitiser, but the more rules have come in, the more testing it has been for staff in dealing with customers.

"Having to remind them of the rule of six and the need to wear a mask when they get up from their tables doesn't always produce the best reaction and the 10 o'clock finish has just added to the feeling that they think we are taking the fun out of the pub experience."

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