This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-53690521
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Stone pub landlord 'complacent' in enforcing Covid-19 rules | |
| (about 4 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. | 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. | 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 have 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". | 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. | |
| 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". | 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 on the High Street. | Following the outbreak, four pubs in Stone voluntarily closed, including The Red Lion on the High Street. |
| Bar manager Tanya Moran said the pub would remain closed until next weekend and she was awaiting further guidance from the health authority. | |
| "It is just bizarre being off again," she said. | "It is just bizarre being off again," she said. |
| "Because I am on the High Street I can see the 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 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." | "I think the Eat Out to Help Out scheme has made a difference to some of the local restaurants, hopefully that will help." |
| Ed Stant, secretary of traders group Stone Is Where The Heart Is, said: "Traders who have made comment [s] are saying it is time to move on, look forward and show everyone just how safe an environment [it] is to come and shop, eat and socialise... | |
| "We are hoping for a busier weekend, the sun will be shining, it is nice and warm, the High Street is now full of hanging baskets and flowers, it is a beautiful place to be." | "We are hoping for a busier weekend, the sun will be shining, it is nice and warm, the High Street is now full of hanging baskets and flowers, it is a beautiful place to be." |
| Staffordshire County Council leader Alan White, said the council was "on top" of this particular outbreak. | |
| "There have certainly been conversations with the landlord, the landlord recognises mistakes were made and has acknowledged those," he said. | |
| He said the council has contacted all licensees to remind them of their responsibilities and it asked people to "behave responsibly" if they go out at the weekend. | |
| 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 |