Coffee shop temporarily closes over lockdown safety concerns

One of Sunderland’s most popular seafront coffee spots has announced it is temporarily closing to ensure staff and customer safety during the lockdown.

It’s been a difficult week for Sunderland businesses which have had to adapt to the new lockdown restrictions.

Coffee shops are permitted to stay open for takeout under the new regulations, and many have done so for people passing on their daily walk. Click & Collect has also been more actively encouraged to shorten waiting times.

Fausto in Marine Walk, Roker, had initially opened last week for click & collect, however, the independent coffee shop has since announced it is temporarily closing over safety concerns.

A statement on its social media pages reads: “It is with a heavy heart, and indeed conscience, that we have decided to temporarily close our little shop.

"The Covid situation is clearly out of hand, our dear NHS is once again on its knees, and whilst we try our best to follow Government guidelines, we simply cannot ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

"We tried to run a click & collect only today, with the majority of people being understanding. However, the girls in the shop did receive unnecessary moans and groans from unmasked passers-by asking for drinks/why they couldn’t

Fausto has temporarily closed.

just come in to order/I only want a coffee, etc.

"The negatives outweigh the positives in this situation and it just doesn’t sit well with us. At home we are all safe.”

Owners have thanked people for their understanding and say they will review the situation in the next fortnight.

CoffeeHaus, in John Street, hasalsodecidedtotemporarily close in light of the new lockdown, with owner Ashley Bell saying: “Understanding that on some weird level of new rules and regulations we can stay open, personally, this is really cutting it fine.

"I re a l l y c o u l d n’ t (a n d shouldn’t) encourage all of you lovely souls to come down for a takeout. Especially when the emphasis on ‘Stay Home’ has been pushed even further again.”

There are a number of coffee shops people can still use if they’re passing on their daily walk or when out for essentials, which have social distancing in place, such as Sue’s Cafe and Love Lily in Roker, Grinder in Durham Road and Paticake Patisserie in Thornhill.