Preston bar closed for breaching Covid rules, but owner vows: 'We'll be back'

Lancashire County Council has issued a so-called “direction notice” to the Nostalgia Cocktail Bar on Fylde Road.

The document, published on the authority’s website, does not specify the exact nature of the breach, but states that action has been taken in response to “a serious and imminent threat to public health”.

It adds that the measure is "for the purpose of preventing, protecting against, controlling or providing a public health response to the incidence or spread of infection by coronavirus".

Preston City Council’s deputy leader Peter Moss said it was “very disappointing” that the move had been necessary.

“We take no pleasure in having to close a premises, but flagrant disregard for Covid safety measures will not be tolerated when we continue to have rising infection rates across the city.

“The investigation revealed that this was not a one-off or isolated incident but rather there was a persistent failure to manage the premises in a Covid-secure manner. Previous visits by the environmental health and police licensing teams resulted in advice being given, which the management failed to heed,” Cllr Moss added.

The venue’s owner, Adam Pearce, told the Post: “The pressure has been on us mainly for people dancing, because dancing is now a crime. I can’t stress that enough.

“We always try our best to make sure the venue is secure by ensuring people aren’t flouting the rules – either by dancing, vertical drinking [drinking standing up] or not wearing masks when they go to the toilet.

“But as a small bar with a small team, it’s difficult to keep an eye on everything at all times.

“Once there are more than five or six people stood up going in different directions towards the toilets or smoking areas, it’s a constant job for our staff to make sure everyone is wearing their masks.

“Somebody might have already shown an exemption card to one staff member, but then another staff member might not know it,” Mr. Pearce said.

Face coverings must now be worn in hospitality venues except when customers are eating or drinking - and dancing was outlawed in new regulations introduced late last month.

A post on Nostalgia Cocktail Bar’s Facebook page features a picture of Boris Johnson with a speech bubble saying: “This is all my fault”. The accompanying text reads: “The latest poster to inform our beautiful customers why they can’t dance.”

The closure order came into force at 6pm on Friday (9th October) and could extend until 11th January next year – but will be reviewed weekly.

Mr. Pearce says that he has “full faith” that the venue will be ready to reopen next week.

“People shouldn’t worry – we’re going to be back.

“I have already made the adjustments so that we will be fully Covid-secure by next week and the authorities will realise we have taken the necessary steps and have caught up with these goalposts that are being moved every day.”

Social distancing means the venue – which opened 12 months ago – is currently admitting a maximum of 65 people, when its usual ground floor capacity would be 150. Its Facebook page advises people to book in advance.