Landlords open up on difficulties in enforcing the rules
MANY pubs and clubs around Wales have been issued with closure notices in recent weeks for failing to comply with coronavirus measures.
But pub landlords and staff say policing the measures is a challenge, and some have called for more clarity from the Welsh Government.
Pubs and clubs are legally required to implement social distancing measures such as ensuring at least a two-metre distance between separate households, table service only, no loud music, and stopping alcohol sales by 10pm.
They also have to take the contact details of all people who enter their venue so the Test Trace Protect service can act quickly if there is a risk people in a venue may have been exposed to coronavirus.
And while it might sound straightforward in theory, in practice it poses its challenges, particularly when punters have had a drink or two.
In the Swansea area alone, the Three Compasses Inn in Clydach, the West End AFC Sports and Social Club in Townhill, the Boss Brewery Bar in Landore and the Joiners Arms in Bishopston all fell foul of the rules, which saw them issued with closure notices until they made requisite changes.
Three of those premises have already done so and reopened. But the Joiners has announced it is to remain closed for the foreseeable future because of the difficulties posed by the strict guidelines.
And the Boss Brewery blamed a group of young drinkers who refused to respect social distancing for their closure.
Co-owner Sarah John said the group had refused to follow staff instructions on wearing face masks, and social distancing, and then refused to leave when
police arrived.
“It was a one-off, isolated incident involving a group of young drinkers who refused to follow staff instructions on wearing face masks and social distancing, and then refused to leave,” she said.
“We were getting this under control when the police arrived and asked us to close, which we did voluntarily.
“We have carried out refresher training with our staff to help with their confidence; they are naturally a little shaken.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to our regulars who were in the bar and who showed huge compassion and sympathy for what the staff were trying to manage, and who assured us that they would be back and that they had always felt safe with us.
“We’re grateful for our loyal regulars more generally for embracing the strict guidelines.”
Pub managers at other premises agree the pressures of getting people to appreciate and comply with the guidelines pose a challenge.
Tony Sharpe, of Jack Murphy’s pub on Swansea’s Wind Street and Uplands, said its staff had to be vigilant to ensure guidelines were complied with.
“We are really strict about it,” he said. “And it has worked in our favour, because we have people who haven’t visited us before come back in and tell us it is because we are all over it.
“Before the Welsh Government got stricter about guidelines, we had a three strikes and your out policy for people breaching them. Now it is one strike.
“We have table service, so the only reason people should be getting up is to use the toilet or when they are leaving.
“We’ve had to have one or two more staff on duty, and I haven’t had a night off for a long time.
“It is a difficult time all round, but we are doing what we have to. There is talk of a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown for a couple of weeks, and that is worrying because it is already challenging”.
Noah Redfern, owner of popular Noah’s Yard in Uplands, said he had been frustrated by advice coming from the Welsh Government.
“It seems to be constantly changing,” he said.
“One week they are telling you one thing, and the next something else.
“We’ve had a couple of visits and the spotlight is really on you, and it seems like it almost doesn’t matter what you are doing.
“I’d say we have more than 95% compliance from customers, but you can’t control every single individual in the venue as much as you try.
“People are very unhappy about lockdown and want to get out. It’s having a huge impact on people’s mental health; I know of two customers who have killed themselves since lockdown began.
“There are 23 other killers in front of Covid, and if the Government cares about society, you’ve got to question it. If you are under 65 with zero underlying health issues, how much of a risk are you at?”
I’d say we have more than 95% compliance from customers, but you can’t control every single individual in the venue as much as you try
- Noah Redfern