The Back Road is still on the pub map

A licensee this week insisted she is keeping her Stonehouse pub open as long as possible to avoid laying people off.

Joanne Mcmann, who runs The Backroad in Stonehouse, has seen a “steady decline” in customers over the last two weeks following the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

As it is the only pub in the village, The Backroad had become a popular venue for people in the community, and it also provides full-time wages to three local families.

Joanne is taking drastic action to try to balance the books and keep these people in employment.

“Yesterday (Monday) I served about 10 people from 11pm until 8pm,” said Joanne. “We’re usually open until 10pm Monday to Wednesday, but I had to close two hours early because the place was so quiet.

“I’ve been forced to cut back on shifts for staff and we are running stock as low as possible, but keeping the most popular drinks in.

“It’s all very difficult and a real worry but we are just doing everything we can to keep things running.”

Landlords have been left in limbo after Boris Johnson told the British public to avoid visiting pubs and restaurants – but did not state there would be a formal ban.

This means pubs and restaurants have suffered a big hit in takings, while making it almost impossible for them to claim on insurance policies.

The government action has since been described by the UK’S independent craft brewers as “the single biggest threat” the hospitality industry has faced.

Joanne said she will look closely at customer numbers this weekend before deciding what steps to take next, but is already intending on cutting back on operating hours next week.

Having taken over the pub just 18 months ago and invested a lot of time and money into the premises, Joanne is bitterly disappointed.

She said: “The pub was quite run down and we’ve worked hard over the last 18 months building it up to a good point.

“We are the only pub in Stonehouse and a lot of people rely on us. I know the whole situation is very worrying for pubs in other areas too.

“The government released a statement saying that there’s emergency funding available, but no-one knows if pubs need to be shut before we can access any funding.

“I phoned the government helpline which had a pre-recorded message which gets you nowhere.

“We need clear instruction from the government. If the government came out and said firmly that all pubs must shut and that they will give us financial assistance then it would be much easier.”

The Chancellor is set to unveil a package of financial support for businesses after restaurants, pubs and theatres.

Joanne announced on The Backroad’s Facebook page this week that she would not be shutting the pub’s doors.

She wrote: “We are taking steps to keep surfaces as clean as possible and have anti-bacterial hand wipes available for people if they need them.

“I understand that people will choose not to come to the pub for the next few weeks.

“I understand that people are in an unprecedented situation and in fear of the virus.

“I also understand that this decision may not be welcomed by you all, I am staying open to support my staff and myself financially.

“Please be patient with us and please if you can, support us.”

There was a positive response from people, with more than 80 people liking Joanne’s post and people praising her actions.

James Anderson wrote: “So long as everyone follows the advice to wash their hands, don’t go out if you have a fever or think they have the flu. We are all adults. Use a hanky and bin it, wash your hands straight away. I, for one, will be supporting the best wee pub in Scotland.”

Mary Napier commented: “It’s nice to hear to hear what you are saying. Especially keeping people in wages.

“I hope you get the support you need to stay open.”