Pubs close early but punters pleased to see them open

The Standard has been told the Marine in Lumley Road called time around 9.30pm on Saturday after a fight broke out and a riot van and two ambulances were called to the Suncastle on North Parade.

Other pubs in the town closed to avoid the backlash from customers looking for somewhere else to go.

Lincolnshire Police has thanked officers for working over the weekend during what was "the latest in a great line of challenges" since lockdown began.

Chief Superintendent Chris Davison said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the officers working over the weekend for their professionalism and dedication.

"Over the last months they have worked tirelessly through uncertain and testing times and the opening of pubs was just the latest in a great line of challenges that they have faced. I would also like to thank our specials, partners, street pastors and venue staff.

“As this was an evening with a unique set of circumstances, we don’t have a comparison we can draw statistically, but the number of incidents we were dealing with was broadly in line with what we deal with on a normal weekend night, if anything it was quieter than usual with less people out and not all venues open.

“Much planning and effort was put in by the venues to make sure that the safety measures were clear and that their customers followed them. The majority of people are able to go out, have a good time, and behave responsibly. To the minority that can’t, we will continue to deal robustly with anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“If you are planning to visit a pub over the coming weeks, make sure you book in advance, behave responsibly, follow the safety measures and plan a safe journey home.”

Licencee of the Highwayman pub in Chapel St Leonards Claire Claxton told us before the re-opening that had had concerns.

After 26 years in the business, she said she has already handed in her notice to the brewery,

Social distancing tape across the floors, signage, collecting names at the bar for contact tracing, wearing of masks, and no background music or sound on the televisions to prevent customers leaning towards each other to make themselves heard are ripping the heart out of the pub experience, she believes.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming back our customers and we hope they understand what we have had to do," she said. "We have always prided ourselves on being a family pub but children will no longer be able to run around.

"Some pubs have banned children and I can understand why.

"We won't be doing food and have closed the restaurant to make more room.

"People will have to take their own darts and pool cues and wipe balls after their shots.

"It could all go either way and I don't mind admitting that I am worried."

Husband Simon, who is a local councillor, said he felt for the elderly residents who visit pubs to solialise.

"They like to come and sit at the bar and chat to the bar staff and because of the changes they can't," he said.

"It's very difficult for landlords after four months without money. Hopefully if people abide with the rules the restrictions will be lifted."

Regular Billy Stone said the restrictions made it feel like "being in prison".

"My heart goes out to the licensees because they are lovely people and I now how disheartened they are.

"They have put their heart and soul into the place.

"It felt very strange with no music - it was really difficult to relax with all the rules."

The Welcome Inn opened its restaurant inside for meals - with seating outside for drinks.

Nicole Chrysostomou, the bar manager, said it was a great first weekend. "We were busier than expected and people were lovely about the changes we had put in place," she said.

"We are closing earlier than before but so far everything is going well."