'Only 7 or 8 of Scarborough's pubs will reopen under Tier 2' says Scholars landlord Danny Smith, chairman of Pub Watch

Now that the borough is in Tier 2 - or “high alert” - pubs and bars can only sell alcohol alongside a “substantial meal”.

The move means scores of the area’s favourite locals will stay shut.

Danny Smith, who runs Scholars Bar and is Chairman of Scarborough Pub Watch, estimated only seven or eight of all of Scarborough's pubs are opening again.

His bar is one of the many that is not pulling pints yet.

“We were disappointed to hear we were in Tier 2 because, as a town, we have been doing our utmost to keep everyone safe,” he said.

“I know there is a review on December 16 but I can’t see us reopening before Christmas.

“How are we supposed to stock up and get staffed in time? We probably wouldn’t get a beer delivery.”

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But, despite being closed for a large part of this year, he is optimistic for the future of the pub trade in Scarborough and is urging people to join landlords and landladies in celebrating once restrictions are lifted and it is safe.

“I don’t think this will mean pubs have to shut down. I wouldn’t have thought it and I hope not,” he said.

“We have a strong team in Scarborough and good team morale.”

Landlady at The Angel, Naomi Blades, has considered starting to sell food so that they can open. For the moment she does not think it is viable but she has not ruled it out.

“We’re just gutted, especially with it coming up to Christmas,” she said.

“This is the time of year when we make money to see us through winter.

“But safety is more important than money.”

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Tony Snow is licensee at The Courtyard - one of the few pubs that is opening again.

He said only venues that are well-known for doing food seem to be welcoming people back.

“Even some places that have got a kitchen won’t be reopening,” he said.

The Tier 2 rules also mean people can only socialise with people outside of their household outdoors and in a group of no more than six.

All retailers can reopen, along with hair and beauty salons.

Visitor attractions, entertainment businesses and venues can also reopen.