A Staffordshire pub courted controversy last night when its owners posted a video on social media, pledging to remain open despite lockdown restrictions coming into effect.
Nick and Lucy Clowes, owners of The Reform Inn in Thorncliffe near Leek, spoke of their heartbreak at having to shut the doors of the business they’ve put “blood, sweat and tears” into growing.
The pair posted a video shortly after 9pm on 5th November, the same day lockdown restrictions across England prohibit them from operating (except for as a takeaway).
In their post – which has attracted over 1,600 responses online – the couple commented: “We said we’re not going to lie down, and we’re not. We’re fighting this tooth and nail.”
The pair appeared to say they would only accept the lockdown ‘conditionally’ and referenced the advice of ‘amazing lawyers’ who had prepared a draft letter for police and local MPs.
The letter called upon authorities to supply “a copy of the two-way contract signed by BOTH parties where I agreed to follow these ‘guidelines’.”
It also asks: “Can you confirm the current medical threat to a normal health individual (under 75) and confirm how many critically ill healthy people without any underlying conditions there are in ICU so I can make an informed decision on these ‘guidelines’.”
Staffordshire Police intervened this morning, however, leading the couple to row back on their initial decision.
In a statement, chief inspector Mark Thorley of the Staffordshire Moorlands Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We’re aware of a Facebook post from a pub in Leek claiming they will be ignoring Covid regulations and opening their doors to members of the public from 12pm today.
“This morning we – alongside the licensing team at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council – visited the outlet and advised them against opening, pointing them towards business grants and support.
“We have reminded them if they do open then they will be fined whilst anyone turning up will also be at risk of a fine for breaching Covid-19 regulations.
“We would like to remind everyone of their responsibilities to keep each other safe and to help beat this virus.”
Acknowledging the legal threat, the couple posted a subsequent video this afternoon, saying: “Just to give everyone an update, we spoke to the police this morning; we had a friendly chat with them. From that conversation we’ve decided to keep the pub closed for the time being.
“We’re not saying that this is the end. We’re determined to make this a place for the community, however, we just need to review the situation and take a couple of days.”
They added: “We will be open, but it will be as soon as we can do it safely,” concluding: “spread the love guys, that’s the only way we’re going to get out of this.”
Staffordshire Police said: “Our priority is to work together to control the spread of the virus across the region and help prevent local healthcare services being overwhelmed.
“All of us need to focus, adjust and adapt to do the best we can in the circumstances including taking personal responsibility to ensure we follow the rules on social distancing, personal hygiene and the use of face coverings.
“It is critical that the people of Staffordshire closely comply with the revised measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our friends and family.”
They warned: “We will always look to engage and explain on these matters but will enforce when necessary. You risk losing your licence if you decide to ignore these regulations.”
