Boss voices frustration at pub closure

A pub in Bath closed as a result of coronavirus cases among its staff.

The Marlborough Tavern, run by the Bath Pub Company, shut on Thursday, July 15 as staff were told to self-isolate by the track and trace app.

Joe Cussens, managing director of the company that also runs The Hare and Hounds in Lansdown and the Locksbrook Inn, confirmed cases among staff members.

The pub owner said it “feels as hard as ever to run a commercially viable pub” and that July 19, the so called “freedom day” is a “joke”.

In a tweet he said: “Freedom day? What a joke Having to close @ Marlboroughtav

“Today (July 14) and tomorrow (July 15) (at least) due to staff cases and isolations.

He continues: “PCR test centres fully booked - impossible to further test staff.

“Right now, feels as hard as ever to run a commercially viable pub.”

A post on the pub’s Facebook page last week read: “Unfortunately we will be closed today due to our staff needing to isolate.

“We will post an update about tomorrow later today.

“All bookings should have already been contacted. Apologies for the inconvenience.”

A post this week read: “We aim to reopen on Wednesday (July 21) with a full kitchen team - we cannot

❝ Freedom day? What a joke. Having to close @ Marlboroughtav. Right now, feels as hard as ever to run a commercially viable pub. Joe Cussens

wait to welcome you all back!

“Give us a call on 01225 423731 to get booked in from Wednesday.

“Thank you so much to everyone for understanding and your continued support. Truly means a lot to us.”

Last week, Mr Cussens had said how one of his pubs had been hit hard by cancellations after the University of Bath cancelled its in-person graduation ceremonies.