Another Newcastle pub has closed its doors because of the local lockdown which it says has made it impossible to operate.
Rafferty's Bar in Pink Lane announced its decision on Facebook ahead of the weekend which is usually the busiest time for the city's bars.
Many Newcastle bars are struggling with the latest restrictions and just on Thursday after another long-estabished Newcastle pub, Sgt Peppers, shut down for the same reason, adding: "Due to the new current restrictions in place we will be closing until things get back to normal."
And it was just three days ago that NE1 chief executive Adrian Waddell spoke of his fears for the city's social scene due to the impact of the current extra restrictions, saying that hospitality venues are shouldering the financial burden of lockdown despite accounting for a mere 3.2% spread of the virus.
A post on Rafferty's Facebook page told customers: "Due to the new Goverment restrictions we have decided to close the pub for a few weeks because the restrictions aren't workable!"
It invited customers to keep an eye on its page for future updates, adding: "Hopefully see you all soon."
The message sparked a flurry of comments from followers including one which said: "Such a shame that pubs are being made scapegoats" and another fearing there will be "no pubs/restaurants hardly left in six months".
