Rising to the challenge of virus has been tough
Ashbourne publican and Campaign for Real Ale branch secretary MARK GRIST returns to explain how the coronavirus lockdown has affected his business, the Smiths Tavern, in St John Street
LOCKDOWN 2.0 has given me the reluctant chance to reflect on where we were, where we are and where we could possibly go from here.
These times are so hard for all of us in so many different ways. We all continue to struggle to deal with this current reality and we all hope a more normal existence is just around the corner.
The very welcome news in the last few weeks that a vaccine may be imminent lends a new air of optimism to us all, but we are still a long way off the good old days, whatever that means to each of us individually. For almost every business of any type, this has been so hard to adapt to and thousands of businesses, big and small, are not going to survive, certainly not in their old format.
Selling someone a pint of beer across a bar counter was always much more involved and complicated than people may think, but recently and for the immediate future, it has become so much harder.
Due to the nature of what we do, it was always going to be impossible for the Government (of any nation, not just ours) to allow us to operate normally.
We closed in March because everyone had to close but we were singled out 10 days ahead of the total lockdown as businesses to be avoided.
When we were permitted to reopen, we had to operate under conditions not required of many other businesses.
When extra restrictions came in, such as the curfew, they were applied almost uniquely to us and not to other businesses.
When tiers were introduced, we were restricted still further to the point where it became virtually unviable to even be open and less money could be lost by shutting.
Then came the second lockdown. Once again, we have gone through the shutdown procedures, trying to waste as little beer as possible.
And now, trying to anticipate what to order and when for is hard work.
We hope and believe we can carry on, in whatever format is permissible, but nothing is guaranteed.
I have to say the overwhelming majority of all customers, be they regulars, casual drinkers or one-off visitors, have been so supportive and willing to follow the conditions set out in order for them to enjoy a pint. Their attitude has helped to make things as easy as they possibly can be and we can’t thank them enough.
It is they who inspire us to feel we can still make a go of this, despite everything that’s happened and everything that is probably still to occur.
Please continue to be safe – and cheers to all!