Be responsible and protect our pubs from C-19 impact
JUST as we hoped things were returning to something approaching normality, Covid-19 infections have begun to increase again, with restrictions imposed on Merseyside and Lancashire, writes Neville Grundy.
Fortunately it is not a return to full lockdown, and will probably last weeks rather than months, as long as people follow the rules.
Since Tuesday, September 22, pubs, bars and restaurants have had to close at 10.00pm.
During opening hours, there should be table service only, including ordering drinks and food.
All venues must by law take details of customers for NHS Test and Trace.
CAMRA urges everyone to be a responsible pubgoer by:
Listening to the staff and following instructions on signs.
Waiting queues.
Washing your hands or using hand sanitising stations regularly.
Staying in your allocated seating area as much as possible.
Using contactless payments if requested.
Considering ordering remotely (e.g. through an app or website) if available. A few do’s and don’ts: Do continue to go back to the pub where you can. Pubs carry out frequent cleaning and sanitising, and are therefore safe, regulated places to socialise if you follow the rules.
Do give your contact details for Track and Trace.
Don’t come to the pub if you, or someone in your household or support bubble, has symptoms of COVID-19; stay at home and follow NHS advice.
Don’t risk getting your local into trouble with the authorities by breaking the rules, especially as many of those rules are now legal requirements.
Pubs have had a hard time because of lockdown, and are still struggling because of significantly reduced footfall
While all the evidence shows that most people abide by the restrictions, all their efforts can be undone by the few who deliberately refuse to comply.
The consequence for pubs and bars is that they may be closed down, causing a further loss of income for a period of time, or in extreme cases, have their licence to trade revoked altogether.
We pubgoers have a duty to try to protect our locals from further harm – please support them by sticking to the rules.
More information about the new local restrictions are on the Stand Up For Southport website: tinyurl.com/ yywgtnu5.