Pub shut for Covid breaches
THE boss of the first East Lancashire pub closed for failing to observe coronavirus rules said it was the victim of ‘a witch hunt’ as it emerged the venue will remain shut until at least Friday.
The Duke of Wellington, on Blackburn Road in Great Harwood, was ordered to close its doors for breaching Covid-19 guidelines at 7pm on Friday last week.
The order, the first of its kind in the county, followed a joint operation between Lancashire County Council, the police and licensing officers at Hyndburn council.
The earliest it can reopen is Friday if the owners can show they have taken steps to prevent further breaches of social distancing rules.
Manager Patrick Brizio accused the authorities of ‘a witch hunt’ in closing his pub.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, the county council’s public health director, said: “Following public health concerns, we have issued the pub with legal directions which mean it cannot currently open.
“Whilst the majority of our pubs and restaurants are acting responsibly, it was disappointing to see lack of social distancing being maintained to keep customers safe at this pub.
“Hyndburn is an area under national intervention and we cannot afford to have another surge and a subsequent wide economic lockdown.”
Mr Brizio said: “I am not sure what I am going to do.
“I think this is a bit of witch hunt. There are other pubs and bars which are far worse.
“I think they have made the order on the basis of how things were are the beginning, not last week.
“We have been doing everything we can to keep social distancing, including having queuing outside to keep down numbers inside.
“I think this is unfair.” Coun Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn council, said: “If the Duke of Wellington can show it is adhering to the current rules, there should be no problem with its reopening. I hope it will.”
Lancashire Constabulary said the closure order is the first of its kind to be issued in the county.
A spokesperson said: “As part of a joint operation between The Department of Public Health, Lancashire Constabulary, Licensing and Hyndburn Borough Council a closure order has been served on The Duke of Wellington Pub, Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, that came into effect as from 7pm on Friday 14th August 2020.
“This is the first of its kind in the county that has been served in response to repeated breaches of Covid regulations and other incidents.
“Please adhere to the government guidelines because by doing so you are keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe.
“If you wish to report an incident dial 101 or 999 in an emergency.”