Coronavirus: Owners of Doncaster pub fear government advice could put them out of business

A couple who own an independent pub in Doncaster fear that they may lose their business if people follow the government's advice to avoid bars, pubs and restaurants.
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The Local is an independent pub in Branton which opened 15 months ago.

Laura Local, aged 44, owns the pub with her husband Paul Local and they are currently formulating an action plan following the government's advice to avoid pubs like theirs.

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Laura said: “We’re trying to work out an action plan at the moment - we’re extremely worried and uncertain.

Laura and Paul Local - owners of The Local in Branton.Laura and Paul Local - owners of The Local in Branton.
Laura and Paul Local - owners of The Local in Branton.

“The government has not told us to close so we can’t claim any insurance but they are telling people to avoid us.

“We need more clarity from the government on what we should be doing.”

The pub has amended their hours and will be opening at 6pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends.

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They will also not be serving food to minimise their financial losses.

However, they are intending to keep a gig played by Laure Kelly on this Saturday after deliberating whether or not to cancel.

“We don’t have any other income - we both gave up our jobs to open this pub and we’re devastated that we could lose it.

“It’s been nothing but positive feedback from the local community and their support have been overwhelming.”

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Laura wants to say thank you to all the people who have supported the pub in the past and are currently reaching out to see what they can do now.

She said: “If the worst happens we will be calling on the support of our customers in the future to raise money for a gofundme to help us get back on our feet.”

The pub will be doing more than usual to ensure that any visitors are safe.

She said: “We’re a really tiny pub and if we sit people a meter apart we will only get ten people in the whole pub.

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“But we are taking extra measures in terms of hygiene, we're using the super anti-bacterial cleaning liquid which is usually reserved for the kitchen on all surfaces and we are asking any customers to stay vigilant.

“We shall be encouraging contactless payments.”

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