Pub aren't to blame for spread of Covid, landlord says

Scott Wilson runs the Liquorice Bush and Beastfair Vaults in the town. He said the industry is in dire straits.

He said: “It’s another nail in the hospitality coffin. We can’t work under the restrictions. Some staff have been verbally abused and people have got aggressive because they don’t want to follow the rules.

“People don’t know whether they’re coming or going.”

He said despite the initial funds that were allocated to businesses much more was needed if they were to stay afloat.

He said: “We got the grant at the beginning which lasted all of five minutes and the new furlough scheme is two thirds and we have to pay the other third – where does that come from?”

He said the public are losing faith with the government’s approach.

He said: “I don’t think they have a plan at all. They are bumbling through hoping for the best and hoping some other country gives them guidance.”

In parliament last week the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, challenged the government to publish the science behind the 10pm closure rule.

Scott believes pubs are not where the virus spreads.

He said: “It has nothing to do with hospitality but we are made scapegoat and it is incredibly unfair."