Readers say don’t blame pubs for virus spread

Echo readers say it would be wrong to close down pubs in the latest bid to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Many who took to out Facebook page say the blame for the renewed spread of the virus lies elsewhere and the industry is being treated unfairly.

Gary Laidler said: “It’s not the pubs that are the problem, it’s the serious lack of track and trace everywhere else. I as a pub landlord can proudly say I’m doing my bit to help – as are many others.”

Mel Wilson added: “No the pubs are doing a good job with the measures they have in place and ensuring everyone stick to them.

"What people do once outside a pub is not the pub owners problem so they shouldn't be made to suffer the consequences.”

Pippa Adams wrote: “It’s the schools where the virus is spreading more than the pubs. I don’t think closing the pubs will make a difference.”

Andrea Forsdike added: “If the pubs and restaurants shut so should schools, factories and non-essential shops.”

Lynn Hamilton wrote: “Pubs should not close. They have taken so many steps and spent money to ensure everyone’s safety. Why encourage everyone to go to these the places to help them all out in August, then shut them again.

"We need proof that they are the cause before closing them.”

Des Middlemas added: “Where do you stop. In supermarkets people blatantly ignore the rules. It’s always the pubs and hospitality to blame ,despite having the best distancing and rules in place.”

Mark Gallagher wrote: “Shutting pubs won't do anything. I think you are more likely to get the virus in shops .”