A pub landlord has said he's banning under 25s after 8pm as they're 'impossible to control' and break social distancing rules.
Pubs across England reopened their doors last weekend, on so-called Super Saturday, but it's not been plain sailing.
The Royal Standard in Wallingford, Oxfordshire said it had seen an 'unprecedented number' of younger people putting other customers and staff at risk since reopening at the weekend.
As a result, those under 25 can still go to the pub during the day but they must leave the premises after 8pm.
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Landlord David Haines said that under 25s 'start off fine, but then that goes out the window' and they fail to stick to the pub's strict social distancing measures.
Speaking to the BBC, David said: "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."
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The pub announced the new policy in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday (7 July), writing: "Please note that from 8pm tonight we will be implementing an over 25s only rule in the evenings.
"This is because the last three nights have seen us attract unprecedented numbers of younger drinkers who are refusing to adhere to any social distancing rules which, in the current climate, is putting both our staff and our regular customers at risk.
"We apologise to those of you who are affected and we will review this decision periodically until we are in safer times but, until then, if you are under 25 and it is later than 8pm, you will be refused entry."
The pub has introduced a bunch of new safety measures, including temperature checks, spacing tables one-metre apart, contact tracing, a one-way system and offering table service only.
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Regulars have commented on the post to support the Royal Standard's new policy, with one person writing: "I think it's admirable that they are prepared to turn customers away for the safety of the community."
A second person commented: "Great idea peoples lives come first."
While a third said: "Good for you, this feels like a safe decision."
A number of pubs in England have already been forced to close back up again after customers who visited over the weekend later tested positive for the coronavirus.
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