Pub calls time on under-21s in bid to stem rise in Covid
Bosses are concerned at higher rates for people aged 16 to 24
A PUB in Loughborough town centre has taken the decision to ban under21s over concerns at the rise in coronavirus infection rates in the area.
The White Hart, in Church Gate, will now only serve customers who can prove that they are over the age of 21.
It follows an increase in infection rates in Loughborough and Charnwood borough at large.
Evidence suggests the spike in figures across the district is down to younger people, aged 16 to 24, including students, spreading the virus.
The pub’s management took to social media on Thursday to issue a statement announcing the move.
It said: “We are becoming increasingly more concerned with the rise in coronavirus cases in the Loughborough and Charnwood area.
“As part of our due diligence toward protecting both our employees and our customers, we continually revisit our risk assessment of how we operate and control the spread of Covid-19 where possible.
“Following a consultation with all of our staff this week, we have made the unanimous decision to limit admittance to customers over the age of 21 only.”
Data published by Leicestershire County Council shows that, for the week ending Friday, October 10, every district in the county now has rates of more than 100 cases for every 100,000 people. The figures are based on tests carried out in laboratories and in the wider community. The most recent data available shows October 11 to 15 has been excluded from the official statistics as “incomplete” and does not reflect the true number of cases. Charnwood’s infection rate is 154.4 cases per 100,000 people – above the national average of 150.1 per 100,000 and second only to Oadby and Wigston among local authority areas in the county (178.8 cases per 100,000).
The figures reveal that higher infection rates are now being seen in young people aged 16 to 24, an age group that would include most students at Loughborough University and other higher education establishments in the town.
The White Hart said it wasn’t an easy decision to ban under-21s, but was a necessary one.
Its statement said: “There are many other pubs and bars in Loughborough that are specifically catering for this age group.
“This hasn’t been an easy one, and it’s one we think may prove unpopular with some of you. However, we do feel that it’s necessary at this time.”
Under- 18s who are accompanied by a parent, guardian or family member will be allowed in as long as they are booked in for food.
The move has led to criticism from some quarters and support from others. One person wrote on Facebook: “Discrimination at its finest.”
Another commented: “What a tough decision to make, I hope it goes well.”
We have made the unanimous decision to limit admittance to customers over the age of 21 only
Management