Scarborough pubs still in limbo: 'Even if we can open it might be for a maximum of 20 people ... is that worth it?'

Scarborough’s pub landlords are still in limbo over whether they will open any time soon.
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The Prime Minister has announced that “at least some of the hospitality industry” could open again in July - including pubs - as long as social distancing rules can be applied.

But landlords have been left wondering if they will be able to meet the criteria imposed and if they can, whether their pubs will still be financially viable.

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Tony Snow, licensee at The Courtyard and Chairman of Scarborough Pubwatch, said: “We had expected it might be Christmas before we could open so at least this is something to work towards.

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“What we’re expecting is that there will be a lot of restrictions. It could just be pubs that serve food that re-open, like it has been in a lot of Europe.

“But a lot of places in Scarborough don’t sell food.

“Even if we can open, it might be for a maximum of 20 people. Then we have to ask whether it’s worthwhile opening and paying staff who will have to work hard constantly cleaning just for 20 people at a time.”

Mr Snow said he was concerned some pubs had been bending the rules.

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He said he had heard of four local establishments - none of which are members of Pubwatch - who were selling beer for the VE Day anniversary celebrations last Friday in return for donations to charity.

He strongly condemned any flouting of the lockdown rules.

“These venues risk the lockdown on our industry getting extended much further. It is totally irresponsible.”