Pub Bans Under-25-Year-Olds Saying It 'Cannot Take The Risk'

A pub has banned under-25s saying it cannot 'take the risk' of having younger drinkers on the premises after Boris Johnson's tightening of social distancing rules.

The Oddfellow Arms in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, posted on Facebook to say 18 to 25-year-olds wouldn't be served.

Google Maps

The post read: "Please note - in light of recent events and an escalation in cases we are now not serving anyone in the age bracket 18-25. We have thought about this very carefully, we will continue to try and ensure our community, customers and staff are all kept safe in these difficult times.

"Before anyone tries to say we are wrong, think of the implications for us as a business. This is not where we want to be.

"We would rather have a safe environment than a place which is teetering on the risk of closure.

"Please see that we are acting for everyone's best intentions at this time. We have some of the most amazing, well mannered, well behaved customers in that age bracket, but we simply cannot take the risk.

"As soon as we feel safe to do so we will ensure everyone knows.

"Thank you for understanding."

The decision has divided drinkers, with some claiming the rule is 'discrimination' and others pointing out the rising number of cases in younger people.

One person wrote: "This is literally discrimination and I bet they are a large demographic of people who make you money."

While a second added: "How can you blame a certain age range and refuse to serve them? If your business is safe and service follows rules you shouldn't have to do that."

But someone else thanked the landlord for making a 'hard decision' and another said they would feel 'safer' going into the pub now.

This places isn't the first to bar younger drinkers - back in July The Royal Standard in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, announced that under-25s would no longer be welcome after 8pm.

Facebook/The Royal Standard

Speaking at the time, landlord David Haines said that younger punters were refusing to keep to social distancing rules.

He told the BBC: "In spite of how many times you ask them to sit in groups of six, it goes out the window. It was impossible to control.

"We've got a greater duty to our customers and our staff.

"We apologise to those of you who are affected and we will review this decision periodically."

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19