'British pubs are where people go to mix with friends' - CAMRA's Sunderland chairman says social distancing won't work in pubs

Michael Wynn, chairman of the Sunderland and South Tyneside branch of beer drinkers’ champions the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), says that although he is keen to return to the pub, he believes they will be among the last businesses top reopen.

He also does not believe that social distancing will ever work in pubs.

Michael said: “Looking at the information coming from the government, it appears that pubs may be among the last businesses to reopen as restrictions are eased.

“Due to the very nature of pubs, social distancing would be difficult to enforce and it is likely that fewer customers, drinking less will put pressure on the costs that pubs face.

“The British pub is a place where people go to mix with friends. If I can't sit with and interact with friends, there is little to make me want to rush back until it is safe to do so.”

The pub and beer industry supports almost 900,000 jobs nationwide and contributes £23.6 billion to the UK economy each year.

Experts say it is likely there will be some pub and bar closures in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis, however CAMRA are determined to support as many pubs staying in business as possible.

Mr Wynn said: “It is important that as few good pubs as possible close.”

Some pubs have started to do home deliveries of beer or food as a way to keep going during lockdown and CAMRA have been campaigning for rents and rates reductions for landlords.

Mr Wynn said: “We are encouraging people to support those pubs and brewers who are offering carry-out or home delivery services.”

The campaign group has launched an app called Brew2You which links brewers across the country, who are delivering beer with customers.

Two Wearside breweries offering collection and delivery services are the Darwin Brewery in Sunderland Enterprise Park and the Maxim Brewery in Houghton.

Pubs offering the carry-out service include The Saltgrass in Deptford and The Ship Isis on Silksworth Row.

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