Sheffield pub comments after picture emerges of drinkers in beer garden

A Sheffield pub has said it did not organise an ‘event’ – believed to have been a wake – which saw groups of people congregating in its beer garden today.
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The Big Tree on Chesterfield Road, Woodseats, will reopen on July 6 after being closed for more than three months because of the coronavirus crisis.

Despite the fact the venue is currently shut, people were seen drinking in its beer garden this afternoon – with some reportedly not adhering to social distancing guidelines.

People outside the Big Tree.People outside the Big Tree.
People outside the Big Tree.
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A spokesperson for the Big Tree said: “This event was not organised by us and we asked them to move on and police have been informed.”

Several posts on social media said people were there having a ‘brief drink’ after attending a man’s funeral.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said this afternoon that officers received ‘two reports’ about people gathering outside the pub.

The spokesperson added: “Officers have not yet attended as no offence is believed to have been committed, but the local policing team are monitoring the situation and do have the power to disperse gatherings if they need to.”

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The Big Tree will reopen two days after July 4 – which is when all pubs in England can welcome customers back into their premises providing they are Covid-safe.

In a Facebook post, the Big Tree said: “As we look forward to opening our doors, your safety is at the forefront of our minds, and so we encourage you to book before you visit to avoid disappointment.”

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