The Prime Minister has come under fire from pub landlords after being photographed appearing to break several covid rules.
Boris Johnson visited a pub in Wolverhampton on Monday and was pictured chatting to customers while holding a pint in the beer garden.
But the photo op has raised eyebrows, with many pointing out that the PM's behaviour is not in line with the current rules on visiting hospitality settings.
Visitors to pubs are supposed to be seated whenever eating or drinking, and should be wearing face coverings when moving around the premises.
The Government's guidance also states that people who don't live together should be two metres apart, or one metre with mitigations.
In the photos, Mr Johnson is standing up with his pint of beer, and much closer to members of the public than the two metre advice.
He shared the photo of himself in the beer garden on Twitter, writing: "Great to be back at the pub again, and to see so many reunited with friends and family.
"We’ve worked so hard to get to this point. Let’s keep going. Remember hands, face, space & fresh air."
It didn't take long for those working in the hospitality industry to react with 'alarm'.
Peter Borg-Neal, founder of Oakman Inns, shared the photo and said: "I am a little alarmed by some of the images appearing in the media regarding behaviour in pubs.
"They are not reflective of the reality. In @OakmanInns we ensure this kind of a thing doesn’t happen. The rules are clear - drinkers must be seated and remain with their own party."
Local brewery Beer Nouveau, which is currently operating an outdoor taproom on North Western Street, wrote: "SIT THE F*** DOWN, WEAR YOUR F***ING MASK, NO WANDERING AROUND BETWEEN TABLES YOU ABSOLUTE JOKE. You lot made the rules, what a surprise you don't think they apply to you."
Beerhouses Pubs tweeted: "Excuse me but I'm afraid you have to remain seated with a drink. I know it's a bit daft but you know, thems the rules. At least you don't need a Scotch Egg to have a pint this time around..."
Vanessa Bailey added: "So, good news! Looks like we *can* mix with other tables and stand up to have a drink! Enjoy, everyone!"
The official Government guidance on visiting hospitality settings states: "At any premises serving alcohol, customers will be required to order, be served and eat/drink while seated ("table service")."
It also says: "Stay two metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings...)."
Mr Johnson was visiting the premises a week after outdoor hospitality settings were permitted to reopen, in line with the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Earlier that same day, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was thrown out of a pub by its landlord.
The M.E.N. has approached Number 10 for comment.
