East brewery says tier four restrictions couldn't have come at a worse time
The East of England will enter the highest coronavirus restrictions from Boxing Day
A brewery in the East of England has said the news of tier four restrictions being in place from Boxing Day couldn't have come at a worse time.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced yesterday that millions more people in England will face the toughest coronavirus rules following a continued rise in infections.
According to Adnams, its pubs were already prepared for a busy Christmas period "nothing like we've experienced in the past," which has put them in a difficult situation.
Director of Properties, Nick Attfield, told us: "We did have a good number of customers looking forward to visiting us.
"It couldn't have come at a worse time for us."
"Our cellars are full, our wine lists are full, and our kitchens have prepped lots of food which we now have to repurpose, be that giving to our employees who will now be furloughed again or giving to local foodbanks."
While it is disappointing news for pubs in tier four areas, Nick said it was understandable and they will always prioritise protecting customers and the community.
Under tier four rules all pubs will have to close, but they can still operate a takeaway service for food.
Nick also explained that operating under tier two rules was not "economically viable" for many pubs due to the one-household rule and only being able to sell alcohol as part of a substantial meal.
Many locations were considering the option to close their doors in January because of it.