'Show some respect' - South Shields pub Trimmers Arms hits out at abusive customers

Like many businesses, the Commercial Road pub has only been open a matter of weeks following the easing of lockdown restictions, but already it is had to deal with abusive customers.

The well-known live music venue has invested in its outdoor area and worked hard to put measures in place to keep people safe as it looked forward to welcoming customers back following months of closure.

But on Saturday night (April 24) the Trimmers Arms said that some customers became threatening towards staff following problems with the W8R ordering app.

The venue said that the app was not working for about 45 minutes at around 9pm meaning that staff had to take manual orders for around 250 people.

In a message on its Facebook page, the pub said most customers were understanding but said some groups turned on staff during the evening and critical messages on social media have followed.

The post said: “Firstly we would like to apologise to those that were affected last night when the W8R drinks app went down shortly after 9pm.

“This affected all pubs/venues in our local area who use the same app and this was totally out of our control.

"I’m led to believe this was down for around 30-45 minutes.

"Staff worked tirelessly to take manual orders, but trying to service 250 people proved to be very hard and time consuming.

"We had 14 staff working last night and they all did an excellent job considering.”

The statement continued: “Very disappointed to see messages and comments on social media today saying the service was disgusting, staff very unhelpful etc."They did the best they could. Too many people are too quick to judge and vent on social media.

"Most people were understanding last night apart from a few groups who were disrespectful, abusive and threatening.

“We will not tolerate this kind of abusive/threatening behaviour towards our staff.

"Two or three groups will be messaged privately and advised they are no longer welcome at the Trimmers Arms and will not gain entry again.

"We have CCTV footage of their behaviour. I really hope they wake up this morning ashamed, we don’t want that kind of clients coming into our venue.

“This whole new concept of table service only, serving people outside only, is new to everyone and not just us.

"We have been in lockdown for just over a year, the whole pub trade has suffered immensely and are doing all they can to allow customers to come together and enjoy a pint.

"Things won’t always go right and we are still having teething problems, but please bear with it, not just us all pubs.

“Servicing 250 people with drinks, ensuring everyone remains seated etc. is very demanding.

“We are looking forward to allowing customers back in the pub soon if lockdown restrictions are lifted as planned.

"In the meantime please bear with us, at most venues you will find some sort of wait for drinks.

“Please show some respect.”

The venue has been contacted directly for further comment.

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