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Stone pub landlord 'complacent' in enforcing Covid rules | Stone pub landlord 'complacent' in enforcing Covid rules |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The landlord of a pub linked to an outbreak of coronavirus has said he was "simply not strong enough" in enforcing government rules. | |
Custodio Pinto, of the Crown and Anchor in Stone, Staffordshire, said he regretted being "complacent" in enforcing regulations with customers. | |
Twenty-two people linked to the pub tested positive for Covid-19. | Twenty-two people linked to the pub tested positive for Covid-19. |
About 1,000 people were tested after health officials set up mobile units in the area. | About 1,000 people were tested after health officials set up mobile units in the area. |
Staffordshire Police said it visited the site on 18 and 19 July following social distancing concerns. | Staffordshire Police said it visited the site on 18 and 19 July following social distancing concerns. |
In a message on Facebook, Mr Pinto said he wanted to express his "deepest regret for all the anguish, disruption and sadness". | |
"On July 18, I accept that I was simply not strong enough in enforcing the Government's COVID-19 secure rules, despite detailed preparation according to their guidelines," he said. | "On July 18, I accept that I was simply not strong enough in enforcing the Government's COVID-19 secure rules, despite detailed preparation according to their guidelines," he said. |
He added that he now understood "the importance of maintaining supervised control" of the rules. | He added that he now understood "the importance of maintaining supervised control" of the rules. |
Traders said custom in the town "fell like a stone" following the outbreak. | Traders said custom in the town "fell like a stone" following the outbreak. |
Mr Pinto said he had "never intentionally set out to create any damage or disruption to the community of Stone" and was "prepared to do whatever it takes to rectify that". | |
Following the outbreak, four pubs in Stone voluntarily closed, including The Red Lion. | |
Its bar manager Tanya Moran said the pub would remain closed until next weekend and was awaiting further guidance from the health authority. | |
"It is just bizarre being off again," she said. | |
"Because I am on the High Street I can see the see town is deserted which is a shame. | |
"I know all the other licensees will be hoping trade increases this weekend, and we will be hoping for the same thing ourselves next weekend. | |
"I think the Eat Out to Help Out scheme has made a difference to some of the local restaurants, hopefully that will help." | |
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk | Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk |