Crowded scenes which saw Doncaster pub shut and staff replaced days after opening

The Old Bull’s Head in Doncaster town centre had only been open for a matter of days following an expensive makeover and renaming.

But police and Doncaster Council officials swooped on the St Sepulchre Gate pub after just over a week’s trading after videos were shared on social media showing customers ignoring social distancing and not wearing face masks – with another clip showing a member of staff in a pub branded t-shirt offering a man a fight and calling him ‘a scumbag p****’ and a ‘f***ing moron.’

A number of clips and photos were shared of the pub during last Sunday’s England Euro 2020 game against Croatia.

The footage, widely circulated on Facebook, shows customers crowded together, dancing and singing and appearing to ignoring the rule of six coronavirus restrictions currently in force at pubs across England.

Under the current restrictions, bars are allowed to serve customers indoors with groups of up to six - or two households of any size - allowed inside

People need to order, eat and drink while seated, where alcohol is served and when not seated, customers must wear face coverings with social distancing between groups encouraged.

The bar, previously called Paris Gate, is understood to have opened on June 4 and was closed earlier this week. Management and staff at the bar have been replaced.

Dan Swaine, Director of Economy and Environment at Doncaster Council said: “It was brought to our attention through social media that there had been a number of issues at the premises during and after the first England Euro football match.

“A joint local authority and police meeting was called with the licensee and management company involved.

"At the meeting we were made aware that those managing the pub at the time had been replaced and a whole new management team was being put in place and the premises would voluntarily close until matters were resolved.

“We are now working with the new team and the management company to ensure compliance is maintained.”