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Coronavirus: Pub landlord regrets not being ‘strong enough’ to enforce social distancing rules after venue linked to outbreak

REUTERS
REUTERS

A pub landlord in Staffordshire connected to a coronavirus outbreak has apologised for not enforcing social distancing rules, as venues across the country have been reminded of the importance of adhering to measures – despite the weekend heatwave.

Custodio Pinto, of the Crown and Anchor in Stone near Stoke-on-Trent, expressed regret over “not being strong enough” to implement the rules after at least 19 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were linked to his pub.

Some 1,000 people underwent testing after cases were identified at the venue, with health officials urging all staff and customers who had been at the premises between 16 and 18 July urged to get checked and a mobile testing unit being set up in the area.

Mr Pinto wrote on Facebook: “First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest regret for all the anguish, disruption and sadness that the events that occurred in the Crown and Anchor last month have caused to so many.

“I have lived in Stone since 2001 where we have raised our three children and it has always been nothing but the greatest pleasure to be part of this fantastic community.

“However, on 18 July, I accept that I was simply not strong enough in enforcing the government’s Covid-19 secure rules, despite detailed preparation according to their guidelines.

“I regret I was complacent in enforcing these rules with the customers,” he added.

Sacha Lord, night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, where a local lockdown is underway, underlined that the problem is widespread.

“Over the past week, I have heard of numerous pubs, bars and restaurants who have been squeezing customers in, flouting social distancing rules, ignoring contact tracing and actively persuading mixed groups not to cancel bookings,” he said.

“These venues clearly have a disregard for the safety of both their customers and their staff,” he said, adding that he supports the Mayor Andy Burnham and the Greater Manchester Police in “taking action over repeat breaches in these venues”.

With temperatures soaring to 37C in some areas this weekend, there are worries that people will flout social distancing, following spikes and sudden lockdowns in Aberdeen and the north-west of England.

“As this week’s heatwave draws in, it seems unnatural not to be with our friends and go out, but we have seen a big spike in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks in our region and the regulations are in place for a reason – to keep you safe,” Mr Lord said.

“Disregarding social distancing not only puts yourself in danger, but also those you meet on your way home, at work, and those who live with you.”

In Aberdeen, lockdown restrictions were imposed locally on Wednesday after a cluster of cases were linked to the city’s pubs and bars.