Bars stop booze takeaways after crowds gather
SEVERAL bars in Ancoats have pulled the plug on takeaway alcohol sales after huge crowds gathered in Cutting Room Square over the Bank Holiday.
Bosses said they were worried about social distancing guidelines being breached.
One of the largest bars on the square, Seven Brothers Beerhouse, has scrapped plans to start selling takeaway pints.
The Salford-based brewery was due to open its bar for draft beer and can sales this week.
Keith McAvoy, of Seven Brothers, said: “We do not wish to contribute to the potential spread of coronavirus.
“We have a responsibility to our Ancoats neighbours to keep them safe and not to become part of the social distancing problems we have seen in Cutting Room Square over the Bank Holiday.”
“We hoped customers would support us by purchasing takeaway draft beers and cans, and enjoy them from the comfort of their homes, we don’t wish to contribute to street parties.”
Nam has also stopped its sales of takeway alcohol this week.
Staff from the Vietnamese restaurant and bar were seen helping residents and police officers clean up the mess left behind by the crowds .
In a statement posted on their Instagram account, Nam said: “We have stopped serving until we feel that those within the square are respecting the measures put in place to ensure we all stay as safe as possible.”
Another bar on the square, Second City, said: “We feel we have a moral responsibility to stay closed.
“We believe that opening with a takeaway service would encourage further gathering in Cutting Room Square, making social distancing impossible and aggravating recent anti-social behaviour.”