Many pubs and bars across Southport and Formby are pulling their last pints tonight before new Tier 3 lockdown measures come into force tomorrow (Wednesday 14 October).
It follows Monday’s announcement from the Prime Minister that Sefton and the rest of the Liverpool City Region would be subject to new restrictions after a rise to Covid-19 levels in the region to a ‘Very high’ level.
From this Wednesday, pubs and bars must close, unless they can operate as if they were a restaurant – which means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal. They can only serve alcohol as part of such a meal.
Some pubs and bars, which are serving food, will remain open under the new restrictions, along with restaurants, shops, hairdressers, beauty salons, soft play centres and other businesses.
Read More: Southport BID urges people to enjoy shopping and dining in town as new rules come in
But for many of our favourite drinking dens, it is time for a temporary goodbye – hopefully not for too long.
The Guest House on Union Street, which this month won the Southport & West Lancs CAMRA 2020 Pub of the Year Award, said: “Due to government legislation it is last orders at 9.30pm tonight for the foreseeable future.
“Thanks to you all for your support and kind words over the last few months. We look forward to welcoming you back in the not too distant future.
“Gail and everyone at The Guesthouse.”
Tap & Bottles in Cambridge Arcade, a previous Pub of the Year winner, said: “Unfortunately it looks like we’ll be closing the doors again tomorrow for the foreseeable future. Huge thanks to everyone who’s been in since we opened up post-lockdown. 99.9% of people have followed all the guidelines to a tee, and have helped make the Tap a safe and enjoyable place to drink beer.
“We’re not sure yet what it means for us going forward, but rather than sit around and mope, we’ll be cracking on with the beer deliveries via the online shop!
“In case we don’t see you between now and tonight…cheers, much love, be safe!”
The MonumenT Pub and Sports Bar on London Street in Southport said: “Sad to say that although ourselves and all of our customers have performed at the highest level possible since we’ve been open.. unfortunately due to those that don’t we are forced to close tonight..
“If we don’t see you today, then We hope to see you all if/when some sort of normality does return….”
The Dog House bar, on Bold Street in Southport, said: “Support your local and head down to the dog house tonight. Show your appreciation to the bar staff as we don’t know the next time we are open.”
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