Historic pub’s landlady says measure is ‘crazy’

A LANDLADY has described Boris Johnson’s imposition of a 10pm curfew on pubs as a “crazy” move that will have no impact on the rising number of Covid-19 infections.

Emma Topsom, of The Brickmakers Arms, claimed the measure would make life harder for staff without making a dent in the rate of cases, which is doubling every seven days.

The Prime Minister will impose the measure on pubs, bars and restaurants from 10pm on Thursday (September 24).

In further measures, food and drink orders will be restricted to table service only and there are more restrictions on face masks.

Emma said: “It’s crazy. Firstly, it will make no difference to the virus.

“Secondly, it’s hard enough to get people to leave when they are having a great time and now we will have to do that two hours earlier on the weekend.

“People will just drink earlier and they will also go home to drink, where it can’t be policed. The police might be able to check up on us but they won’t be able to go into people’s homes.”

The Arms, in Station Road, Balsall Common, has been among pubs trying to revive trade after the nationwide shutdown, with its licensed hours ending at 12.30am on weekdays and 1am at the weekend.

The 17th century village inn had been taking part in Eat Out to Help Out, but will now have to readjust to the measures restricting trade.

“In the week this won’t affect us so much but at the weekend it will make quite a difference,” Emma said.

“Staff will be working less hours and will lose money.

“We will push the food and lunch times a bit more as people still want to get out and do things, and we’ve found they do want to support us.”