THE landlord of a Maldon pub has spoken out over new Covid-19 restrictions starting tomorrow (Thursday, 24 September).

James Burrell-Cook, landlord at the the Queen Victoria pub, in Spital Road, told Maldon Nub News: "Many people in the town's hospitality industry have worked hard to put Covid-safe measures in place, but pubs and restaurants are only the visible part of the story.

"The invisible part is what happens elsewhere. When people leave the pubs and restaurants at 10pm, what is to stop them going to buy alcohol from supermarkets and off licences? Who will control what happens then?

"Are pubs and restaurants getting a bad rap? I think that maybe they are."

His comments came after the Government announced new restrictions for pubs and restaurants yesterday. These include serving customers at tables only and closing the doors at 10pm.

James, who has put extensive Covid-safety measures in place in his pub, feels "fortunate" to have done so as he fears others may struggle to enforce the new rules now.

He added: "The thing that's frustrating for publicans and licensees across Maldon is that these restrictions have only been made law now. For those that have allowed bar service, this is incredibly late in the day and difficult to do."

James also highlighted how the reality will work, with the first bell sounding at 9.15pm and the last at 9.30pm, when patrons will be asked to start finishing their drinks.

"It's going to be a difficult situation for a lot of publicans," he said, "No-one wants to upset customers and it will be a hard thing to do."