Landlord admits he was not 'strong enough' on social distancing after his pub was linked to coronavirus outbreak

The Crown and Anchor pub
REUTERS
Rebecca Speare-Cole7 August 2020

The landlord of a Staffordshire pub linked to a coronavirus outbreak has admitted he was "simply not strong enough" on social distancing measures.

At least 19 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were linked to the Crown and Anchor in Stoke-on-Trent after a cluster emerged last week.

Custodio Pinto, who runs the pub in Stone, apologised on Facebook on Friday.

He wrote: "First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest regret for all the anguish, disruption and sadness that the events that occurred in the Crown and Anchor last month have caused to so many.

"I have lived in Stone since 2001 where we have raised our three children and it has always been nothing but the greatest pleasure to be part of this fantastic community.

"However, on July 18, I accept that I was simply not strong enough in enforcing the Government's Covid-19 secure rules, despite detailed preparation according to their guidelines.

A notice is displayed outside the Crown and Anchor pub following a spike in cases
REUTERS

"I regret I was complacent in enforcing these rules with the customers."

Around 1,000 people have been tested after health chiefs urged anyone who had worked at or visited the pub between July 16 and 18 to get checked.

The apology came as pubs across the UK were advised to ensure adherence to Government guidelines.

People queue near the Crown and Anchor pub following a spike in cases of the coronavirus disease
REUTERS

Sacha Lord, night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, where an enhanced local lockdown is in place, criticised venues for failing to follow the rules.

"Over the past week, I have heard of numerous pubs, bars and restaurants who have been squeezing customers in, flouting social distancing rules, ignoring contact tracing and actively persuading mixed groups not to cancel bookings," he said.

"These venues clearly have a disregard for the safety of both their customers and their staff, and I support our Mayor, Andy Burnham, and Greater Manchester Police in taking action over repeat breaches in these venues."

People queue near the Crown and Anchor pub following a spike in cases of the coronavirus disease
REUTERS

Restaurants and drinking establishments in Aberdeen were forced to closed at short notice on Wednesday as part of stricter measures put in place after a local spike in cases linked to a bar in the city.

Fears of further breaches have been heightened by soaring temperatures going in to the weekend.

The Met Office predicted peak temperatures of 37C (98.6F) in some areas.

"As this week's heatwave draws in, it seems unnatural not to be with our friends and go out, but we have seen a big spike in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks in our region and the regulations are in place for a reason - to keep you safe," Mr Lord continued.

"Disregarding social distancing not only puts yourself in danger, but also those you meet on your way home, at work, and those who live with you."

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