Several pubs forced to close after customers test positive for coronavirus

A number of pubs in England have had to close as customers have tested positive for coronavirus. 

The news comes just three days after the establishments could open their doors again this weekend. 

Hundreds of venues welcomed customers for the first time in three months this past weekend as the lockdown measures were eased.

As crowds descended across towns and cities fears of a second wave were sparked, as many people were worried that social distancing would be disregarded.

The pubs have announced their closure via their Facebook pages. At least three establishments have announced their closure. 

The Lighthouse Kitchen and Carvery in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset said it was ‘slowly’ working through a list of customers who had left details at the weekend, and staff were awaiting their own test results.

The Fox and Hounds in Batley, West Yorkshire also said a customer had phoned to say they had tested positive for coronavirus.

The staff of the Fox and Hound have said the staff have taken tests and the venue will be deep-cleaned before reopening.

The Village Home pub in Alverstoke, Hampshire has also said some staff are self-isolating due to a case of coronavirus in the pub. 

An Indian takeaway in Burnham, Saagar, has said it will be closed until Friday to undergo a deep clean after one of its drivers had been to Lighthouse Kitchen at the weekend along with the bar Vape Escape – which has also closed for a full clean after the customer’s positive test. 

Vape Escape told burnham-on-sea.com that all staff had tested negative and all customers that visited the bar on Saturday have been contacted in accordance with government advice. 

Somerset County Council has said they are not treating these cases as an ‘outbreak’ and have continued to ask people to keep to social distancing guidelines and regularly wash their hands. 

Customers of the Village Home who had visited at the weekend were told there was ‘no need to isolate’ unless they showed symptoms or were contacted by tracers.

All three of these pubs had posted on social media prior to opening regarding their implementation of social distancing and safety guidelines from the government. 

The new measures state that pubs can offer table service only and all customers must give contact details upon entry so they can be contacted.

Across England, crowds were seen on what has now been Christened ‘Super Saturday’ as thousands flocked to restaurants, bars and pubs. 

There were some reports across the country of arrests and early venue closures but police have said that the majority of people acted responsibly. 

Customers can refuse to give their information, which will be kept for 21 days in case of a coronavirus case in that venue, but the owners can refuse to serve you.