'The worst of both worlds' - Hartlepool pubs after town put under Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions

Pubs and bars say although they can stay open, the ban on households being able to mix together is hitting business, with one landlord describing the situation as ‘the worst of both worlds’.

They are asking for more help to survive the latest wave of coronavirus and restrictions.

Chairman of Hartlepool Licensing Association Darab Rezai said: “Our industry; cafes, restaurants and bars right across the country are getting destroyed because of pockets of the virus in various towns and cities.

"I’ve had a lot of phone calls and emails from bars and restaurants who are very concerned because customers have stopped coming. They are nervous.

"A lot of people don’t understand the system. We need support for the industry and the people who work in it.

"We should all get together regardless of our political views and try to control this virus and get rid of it.”

He said lockdown measures should be targeted at an even smaller level where outbreaks occur such as universities.

Ken Hedley, of the Lock Gates bar and grill on Hartlepool marina, said he is thinking of closing temporarily unless trade picks up.

On Tuesday lunchtime he said: “We haven’t had a soul today or yesterday afternoon. I closed about four hours early.

"It’s absolutely dreadful to be honest. No groups are supposed to be coming in and people still don’t understand about household bubbles.”

Mr Hedley said enforced closure may be better as staff would be able to claim furlough and he would not have utilities outgoings.

"We wouldn’t be making anything but wouldn’t be losing anything,” he said.

Scott Weir, of Tees Inns which owns King John’s Tavern in Hartlepool town centre also said the current situation is problematic.

He said: “We’ve got the worst of both worlds. We can open but we’ve got business damaging restrictions which are going to impact sales negatively.”

And he said employers face additional costs under a new Job Support Scheme from November where they, as well as the Government, must contribute to hours not worked by staff.

But he remained upbeat about the future for the pub trade saying: “King John’s Tavern will continue.

"It’s going to be tough but we will see this through.”

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