A pub has introduced a 'no mask, no entry' policy after encountering problems with people trying to enter saying they are exempt over the bank holiday weekend.
The Blackedge Brewing Company, which operates the Brewery Bar at Moreton Mill in Horwich town centre, issued a statement today (May 31) saying the policy was needed to 'keep staff and customers safe'.
The statement read: "It is with regret we have to make this announcement however but with immediate effect we will be operating a no mask, no entry policy.
"If you are exempt then please download the card and simply show us on entry.
“We apologise to the genuinely medically exempt for the inconvenience but we must keep staff and customers safe.
“The reason we must operate this policy is the sheer number of groups of people that have visited late during the weekend who were all ‘exempt’ from wearing a mask.
“Covid is exploding in Bolton so the risk level is high.
“We will be fined £5,000 if checked and found to be breaking the law.
“We will have a zero tolerance policy on abuse towards staff which sadly has happened.
“People who try to enter the premises and don’t follow the rules set out by actual law will not be served and asked to leave.
“All incidents as such will be reported to the local pubwatch scheme so people who become abusive could face bans from all the local member pubs and bars.
“This is not difficult folks, wear a mask, sit down at all times when drinking and be nice to all the people you encounter in your day/night out.
“We don’t wish to cause embarrassment to anyone with a genuine exemption.
“To those that just couldn’t care less it would be good that they know in advance they are not welcome to visit us at this time.”
