Concerns were raised and Police were called out over the Bank Holiday Weekend as some bars and pubs opened – but can they be open under the coronavirus restrictions?
Over last weekend’s bank holiday, many businesses serving takeaway drinks and food opened to the public. However, some concerns were raised about the actions of some customers, who were not socially distancing after receiving their items.
Police officers were called to a bar in Ryde twice over the long weekend — which was following the guidelines and providing takeaway alcoholic drinks — but the lack of social distancing outside of the property left a few passers by uneasy and concerned about safety measures.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson confirmed officers visited the bar to explain their responsibilities under the Licensing Act and to give guidance, saying they would continue to monitor the situation should further concerns be raised.
Despite concerns, officers did not close any premises on the Island for being in breach of the guidelines and restrictions.
Bars and pubs are allowed to be open selling alcohol as a takeaway service, but Hampshire Constabulary says it cannot be consumed on the premises.
Government advice also says you should still keep 2 metres apart from people and only meet 1 other person from outside of your household, in the open and not indoors.
A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said:
“Officers, alongside Environmental Health and Trading Standards, are working with the public to ensure they are observing the guidance outlined by the government.
“We are seeing an increase in premises still trading by conducting off sales i.e. beverages and food which is collected from the venue, but then consumed off-site.
“This is becoming more commonplace as businesses diversify in an attempt to survive these challenging times, whilst also continuing to provide the community with a service.
“If we receive reports of premises being open to the public which has not been deemed necessary by the government, including pubs, our officers will conduct compliance checks.
“We will continue to engage, explain the circumstances and encourage business owners to do the right thing in complying with the government request.
“If businesses are deemed to still be operating outside of these boundaries, and unlawful trading is still commencing, we may take enforcement action.”
Walked along Ryde seafront last evening and it was crazy with people all sitting along sea wall consuming alcohol from the open bar , no social distancing at all and they certainly weren’t all close family or friends.
Didn’t enjoy the aggression or the bad language from some of them either, Found it all rather intimidating and haven’t missed this side of society and actually found it rather intimidating,
Saw that last night and the groups of older teens drinking in large groups with no 2m separation. Theyll spoil it for everyone and obviously dont care about covid spread
Funny how many thumbs down I got when I commented on how quick the trouble would start once the pubs open.
One bar opens for a few drinks and you’re all moaning already.
It’s not right to be open selling booze yet, but look at the bright side, all the idiots who want to drink and not stay 2 metres apart will get the virus. So it will wipe all those out. So the pubs are literally killing off their businesses.
Stop selling alcohol! Problem solved.
The driftwood in sandown on mon…at least 25/30 jet skis outside the pub in the bay and probably around 40 people eating drinking alcohol outside no social distancing….mid June end of June watch spike in cv 19
It’s sad they’re all that desperate to get p!ssed up
Chairs are outside in the car park at The Star, Wroxall, I think they might get unstuck because serving drinks at the bar and sitting in your premises car park is still classed as being on your site, not off site. So think again.