BAR and pub bosses in Worcester say they are doing everything they can to enforce social distancing rules, after concerns were raised about crowds at venues.

A customer of The Flag in Lowesmoor took photos of people queuing outside and crowds inside the bar on Friday night and spoke out against the lack of social distancing, while similar images of Bushwackers in Trinity Street have also been shared on social media.

The owner of The Flag, Lee Winters, says it has been a difficult time as venues have been forced to completely change their practices as per government guidelines around coronavirus.

Mr Winters said there is CCTV throughout the venue to monitor the safety measures and to ensure customers are following government guidelines.

“Social distancing from the get-go on opening was always going to be a problem given the nature of all venues and social places, " said Mr Winters. “People will always, regardless of advice, do as they choose. It’s a tough job for any venue (ours is relatively small in comparison to others in the city centre) but we made changes such as moving furniture, adding tech and protective measures to help minimise issues from our perspective.

“We are very much in control and take seriously all aspects of ensuring customers are safe at our venue.”

Mr Winters added: “Again, alcohol, customers and social environment is a tough one. We’re doing our very best as I know other venues are too. We have seen our capacity half since opening. I’m afraid it’s new times for us all - we have to adapt and do our best.

“We are ultimately doing our very best during an extremely difficult period. We constantly review what we are doing and adapt where possible.”

He said there are strict measures in place, such as temperature checks, track and trace, sanitising stations and clear signs giving guidance, floor monitoring, advising customers where possible to be seated, clear radio communication between management and staff giving instructions if incidents arise and the Flag App has been introduced whereby customers can remotely order drinks.

James Lovett, landlord of The Coach and Horses in Upper Tything, said he has had to remind some customers of the social distancing rules but generally there have been few problems.

"If there are any sticky customers, I will remind them my duty of care as a landlord is to make sure everyone is keeping safe," he said. "I ask my customers to follow the rules and if they don’t, they will be asked to leave the premises.

“I’m not sure if it’s our clientele but we have had no problems and our system works well.

“Now we are running at half capacity and it has meant I have had to turn down some of our regular customers. It’s hard to do but we have got to keep everyone safe."

City councillor Lynn Denham, who represents Cathedral ward, said she’s experienced different pub owners being more cautious than others.

Cllr Denham said: “It’s certainly been a horrendously difficult time for businesses and for jobs and the economy. I am really fearful there will be more people losing their jobs in the days ahead.

“There’s a fine balancing act of opening up restaurants and pubs being Covid safe and without spreading the virus.

“Different pub owners are much more careful about it than others. It’s really important that everyone open to the public maintains a high standard to be as Covid safe as possible.”

She added: “As Cathedral ward councillors we have been involved in consultations around pavement licences. There’s a new government system where business can apply for a pavement licence because eating out of doors is safer than being inside in an enclosed area.

“I have been to places where you have had to almost push your contact details on to them. They should be keeping a register and know who has been in their establishment and having hand gel readily available.

“A lot of places have gone to booking only. However, those that have a queue, it’s about managing the queue with a social distance. If people take all the right precautions it should be safe and we should enjoy a meal out if everyone is careful and the good businesses are managing.”

Last week we reported that Birmingham could face lockdown after the city saw a jump to 30 cases per 100,000 following 330 new cases in a week, leading to it being on a national “watch list”.

Blackburn with Darwen entered its local lockdown when cases reached 69 per 100,000.

In the latest figures for our county, Worcestershire saw mostly small rises with Worcester now at 5.9, up from 3.0, and Malvern Hills at 3.8, up from 1.3. The area causing most concern will be Bromsgrove that has seen a spike up to 12, having previously been on 5.