Number of social clubs close their doors to 'keep staff and members safe' in wake of Government's latest Covid guidance

Hetton Working Men's Club, Hetton Lyons Cricket Club’s clubhouse, Hetton Social Club and Easington Lane Working Men’s Club have each announced they have taken the decision to shut to help keep people safe.

It comes after the Government announced new measures for seven North East council areas, including Sunderland, making it an offence to meet with people outside their household or social bubble inside any public venue, home or private garden.

People can still meet others at an outdoor venue, such as a pub beer garden or park, but this is against advice.

Hospitality venues must close between 10pm and 5am and customers must be served through table service only and wear a mask or face covering except when seated at a table to eat or drink.

Hetton Working Men's Club, in Richard Street, confirmed to the Echo it would be a carrying out a deep clean during the time it is temporarily closed and had a number of visits from health officials at Sunderland City Council, as well as police checks, with no issues raised.

In a message to followers, club bosses said: “We have made the decision due to Covid outbreaks in the area and we want to protect our staff and members.”

Hetton Lyons Cricket Club said it would keep people updated, adding: “Undoubtedly this is a tough time for everyone and we hope all of our members and guests stay safe.”

Hetton Social Club, in Station Road, said: “The latest local restrictions that have been enforced on our sector has made it impossible to operate in a sensible and safe environment.

"We will continue to monitor the changes and developments on this subject and hopefully our doors will be open again sooner, rather than later – staff safety is paramount.”

Easington Lane Working Men’s Club, in the High Street, said it would be “closed until further notice” due to the guidelines.

Meanwhile, Hetton Victory Club has said only members will be allowed in until further notice, adding: “We have done our best to try and avoid closing and we must take this extra measure to stop that from happening.”

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