John: Brit panto
Pubs forced to close days after reopening
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FANS of pub games have been snookered after Whitehall chiefs confirmed a ban on all “indoor sports”.
Pool and darts players had hoped to dust off their cues and arrows with the reopening of bars at the weekend.
But the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has ruled out a return for the pastimes.
It said that allowing customers to play games indoors is “not in the spirit” of Downing Street guidance.
Civil servants pointed to advice for pubs that says landlords should keep people seated as much as possible and discourage them from leaning on or touching surfaces – effectively ruling out cue sports and other games. Bars Professional snooker stars have are also urged to avoid entertainment returned for tournaments televised on or activities that may encourage ITV with no studio audience. shouting due to concerns over “aerosol And top throwers have been taking transmission”. part in online contests streamed Pool and snooker also live to fans.
● affected by the ban. LETTING pubs and bars sell takeaway
The DBEIS said licensed premises alcohol will spark drunken could have no “indoor sport use”. violence and disorder, ministers have clubs are
THREE pubs have shut again just days after reopening.
The Fox and Hounds in Batley, West Yorks, closed after a drinker phoned to say they had contracted the deadly virus.
The Village Home Pub in Alverstoke, Hants, is also shut after someone in an employee’s “family bubble” tested positive for Covid.
And the Lighthouse Carvery and Kitchen in Burnham-on-sea, Somerset, took the same action after a customer returned a positive test.
Manager Jess Green said: “I’m gutted but safety comes first.” been warned. Police chiefs slammed plans to give late-night drinking holes, currently prevented from selling booze for consumption off the premises, free rein to do so for a year.
Former Met Police deputy commissioner Lord Paddick said revellers roaming the streets with bottles was “a recipe for disorder”.