Pub That Vowed To Stay Open After Lockdown Remains Closed After Police Visit

Nick and Lucy Clowes, who run The Reform Inn near Leek, shared a video on social media in which they claimed they'd fight 'tooth and nail' against the rules that ordered the closing of all hospitality venues from Thursday morning.

However, after the police showed up at about 10:30am they decided against taking a stand and remained closed.

In a video shared on Thursday, Nick said: "Despite following all the Government guidelines to the best of our ability, we had to close our business that we have put blood, sweat and tears in to grow.

"During the other lockdown, we knew another one was going to come and we thought, 'we are not going to lie down. We are fighting this tooth and nail'.

"Fear is no longer an excuse. We need to do the right thing."

However, a sign has since appeared in the window of the pub showing clearly that the message from the police and the government has made it through.

That sign reads: "We have decided to remain closed while we review the current situation.

"For those of you who are supporting us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts - it means such a lot.

"More than ever now, we need to stay strong and unite."

"We are just doing our bit for our neighbours because the cure now is far worse than the disease.

"People are dying unnecessarily and we want to make a stand for it - not just for our business's survival but for our children's futures because it is not looking good.

"I don't think we are going to open today. We are going to open when the time is right for us.

"We need to pick our battles and get more due diligence and more help and such like."

A spokesperson for the local police force said: "We are 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.

"This morning, we - alongside the licensing team at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council - visited the outlet and advised them against opening."