Alnwick pubs join forces in call for clarity on introduction of tighter restrictions

Legal restrictions on indoor mixing between households in any setting come into force across Northumberland from 00.01am on Wednesday, September 30.

However, local publicans are concerned about the confusion surrounding the new rules and how they will be enforced.

The implications were discussed by representatives from The Market Tavern, The George Inn, The Blue Bell Inn, The Plough, Shepherds Rest and Alnwick Working Men’s Club earlier today.

They agreed to write to Northumberland County Council seeking further information and expressing their concerns.

Clare Iniesta, manager at The Plough, said: “We don’t want to be hit with a fine so we need to know exactly what the new measures are.

"Our main worry is how it’s going to be policed. For example, if four people come in that we know don’t live together but they insist they’re in a bubble what do we do? We need guidelines on what action to take.”

She has predicted the changes will have 'a massive impact’ on trade at The Plough, although it is one of the bigger venues in the town.

Those sentiments have been echoed by Jackie McDougall, landlady at The Blue Bell Inn who believes some pubs may even have to close.

"We had a good meeting,” said Jackie.

"The difficulty is that we don’t really know what’s happening. Are people from different households allowed to mix in beer gardens? We’re still waiting for clarity.

"The idea of us getting together like this was to make sure that, as far as possible, we’re all singing off the same hymn sheet.

"We’re all going to stick to the law and take it from there but have collectively written to the council urgently seeking further information.”

The tighter restrictions were announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday due to the continuing rise in cases.

“We know that a large number of these infections are taking place in indoor settings outside the home,” he said.

It has previously been against the guidance, but not against the law, to meet family and friends at an indoor public venue, such as a pub or restaurant.

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