South Shields venue Hedworth Hall forced to close bar early due to 'irresponsible customers' failing to follow social distancing as South Tyneside remains on watch list

Hedworth Hall, in Westoe, has been praised by members of the community after it made a public statement condemning the actions of a minority of customers who have failed to comply with social distancing measures.

Bosses at the Dean Road venue have reminded customers they must adhere to the guidelines which have been put in place ‘by the government to enable pubs to re-open and remain open’ and say whether customers agree with them or not is irrelevant.

It comes as South Tyneside has the fifth of the highest seven-day case rates in the country as 76 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the seven days up to September 1.

South Tyneside Council has warned local lockdown restrictions may be imminent if infection rates continue to rise.

The statement from Hedworth Hall says: “Regrettably we have been forced to make this reminder due to a number of individuals who have failed to grasp what the seriousness of breaching these measures could mean not to just people's health but also to pubs – e.g carry on the way you are and pubs will be forced to shut.”

They say twice this week management have been forced to close the bar early due to ‘irresponsible customers who believe they are above the social distancing measures’.

Management had to shut the bar early on band night on Saturday, September 5, due to people hitting the dancefloor.

The statement adds: “We will not tolerate any kind of behaviour which risks the reputation and viability of this venue nor put the majority of our customers who are following the measures at unease.

"We would, however, like to take this opportunity to thank the majority of our customers who have come back through our doors and have continued to support us through this unprecedented time, and whether they agree with the social distancing measures in place or not, have shown their respect by adhering to them for the benefit of all.”

Read the full statement here.

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