Coronavirus: Pubs, bars and restaurants shut down across UK
The IndependentGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. However some people were determined to get “one last pint” before last orders at midnight, while others flouted guidelines on social distancing by seizing the chance for a final Friday night dance. “My last shift in a pub where all the locals conglomerated for one last pint making it the busiest night we’ve had in the last week,” commented one London bar worker on social media. But I say to people who do go against the advice that we’re getting, the very clear advice that we’re getting from our medical and scientific experts, you know you’re not only putting your own life, the lives of your family, at risk – you’re endangering the community.” Police forces have indicated that they could seek to revoke licenses allowing pubs, bars and clubs to sell alcohol or play music if a venue fails to comply with the lockdown. Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “As a sector employing nearly one million people, the chancellor’s support package announced today on staff wages will safeguard thousands of livelihoods and help closed pubs try to get through this difficult period.” Additional reporting by Press Association