Sheffield pub’s brilliant response after stubborn drinker refuses to sign in

Pubs and bars in England were allowed to open from Saturday, July 4 for the first time since the lockdown began in March, and there were fears drinkers would get carried away and flout social distancing rules.

But the widespread disorder some predicted did not materialise in Sheffield, where landlords thanked punters for following the new rules put in place to keep them safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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The Beer House on Ecclesall Road tweeted: “A real nod to Sheffield tonight for its behaviour over the weekend. Proud to be from this city.

“Everyone has been brilliant. They've all abided by the rules by their own consent.”

The popular micropub also revealed what happened when one man refused to give his details as required so they could be passed on to NHS Test and Trace in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

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“Only one person refused to sign in yesterday. "I'm not doing that", "OK that's your choice", "can I have a pint", "no", off he toddled,” it said.

“Some people will say that's harsh but it's our place and it's our rules. He probably would have messed his pants when we went to take his temp.”

Many pubs had one way systems, protective screens and table service only in place for their return, with some checking people’s temperature on entry.

The Kelham Island Tavern, which was named CAMRA’s Sheffield pub of the year on the day it reopened, also thanked customers for ensuring a smooth return to business.

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The pub, which has limited capacity and reduced opening hours in place, said: “Everything ran smoothly and we'd like to thank all the customers that came in and respected our rules.”

While it was a largely peaceful and orderly return to action for Sheffield’s pubs, that was not the case everywhere.

At least one pub said it had to close early following concerns over drinkers not adhering to social distancing guidelines.