Sunderland reacts to tightening restrictions which make it illegal for different households to meet in public venues

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday, September 28, that households in seven north east areas will be banned from mixing indoors in any setting, although schools and workplaces are not affected.

While it was previously against Government advice, it will become law from midnight on Wednesday, September 30.

On Tuesday (September 29), Boris Johnson was forced to apologise saying he ‘misspoke’ when trying to clarify details on the new restrictions being imposed in the North East.

Sunderland businesses, residents and visitors have now reacted to the further restrictions with many raising concerns that the rules are not clear.

Claire Davison, owner of Greens for 24 years, says she has been forced to put almost ten members of staff back on furlough following the last round of restrictions.

She said: “It’s so difficult, impossible almost. It’s so hard for us, I’m doing everything I possibly can to keep people safe.

"We’re sanitising all of the time and I just can’t see how these new measures are going to work.

"How do I police these new restrictions? All I can do is ask people."

The pub has been closing at 7pm due to a lack of footfall after the 10pm curfew was brought in with Claire saying it’s ‘like a ghost town’.

"It’s heart breaking putting staff back on furlough," said Claire.

“I’m trying to be really positive and say ‘come on we just have to get on with it’ but all of these measures are making it really difficult. We can just do our best.”

A number of pubs in Sunderland have remained closed with some only finding it feasible to work on weekends.

Denise Howe, 40, of Downhill, said: “I don’t think [coronavirus] is going away. I think in two weeks it’s going to be a full lockdown and all of the pubs will be closed.

"I’ve seen some places open earlier now they have to close at 10pm and are offering half price drinks all day. I don’t agree with that.

"I would just say to Boris Johnson straight away to shut all of the bars and restaurants. They’re keeping them open and people are losing their jobs anyway."

Hendon resident Mick Wardropper, 64, added: “You see bars and pubs with loads of people in them and it doesn’t surprise me. There is also big groups of young people together but they’re all heading back to their own families. It shouldn’t be happening.”

Some North East council leaders have said they were not consulted on the latest decision while Sunderland City Council has said they will issue a reaction to the new ruling once they have been informed about the details.

Lakeside resident Brenda Carney, 75, said: "The different restrictions they’re bringing in are all over the place. The rules themselves aren’t clear.

"I don’t think the pubs closing at 10pm makes much difference really. When they come out they’re getting in big groups.

Thomas Carney, 77, added: “I wouldn’t like to think it comes to the pubs and restaurants closing again but if they’ve got to do it they’ve got to do it.”

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