A pub which closed for a deep clean after a customer on a pub crawl tested positive for COVID-19 hopes to re-open today.
The Poacher in Portishead High Street temporarily shut its doors following rumours that a person on the pub crawl last weekend had tested positive for coronavirus.
As well as locking down the pub, staff on over the weekend are all being tested for the virus.
Bosses at the pub said the shut down was a ‘precautionary measure’ and that the inn had undergone a deep clean.
All staff tested, bar one, has had negative results come back and the pub is hoping to re-open again today (Sunday).
An update was posted on the pub’s Facebook page giving customers the latest update.
In the post – believed to be from the landlord - it said: “ I am happy to announce that my Covid test has come back negative.
“The pub is all shiny and clean and we are only waiting for one outstanding result to come in, otherwise its a full house.
“Its business as usual from tomorrow morning.”
Pub bosses have praised the person on the pub crawl for getting in touch following their positive test.
In the post, it added: “Before we forget all about this I would like to clarify a few things. The person who was out only tested positive midweek.
“This person swallowed their pride and fear to get in touch with me to explain everything.
“It takes a lot of courage to speak up with the stigma attached to their situation and had they not done so, any risk may not have been averted.
“As it stands our cleaning regime and Ramsol antiviral spray have proven their worth. Our pub is safe and those who use it are in good hands.
“I hope you will all continue to support us and I hope I've proven beyond doubt that our customers come first.”
It is not known what other pubs the person visited or what other precautions they may have taken.
New rules came into force on Thursday meaning all pubs and restaurants, cafes and other hospitality venues have to close by 10pm.
Venues that are licensed to serve alcohol will be restricted by law to table service only, except for takeaways.
Bookings of more than six are not allowed and businesses are now legally required to take customers contact details so they can be traced if an outbreak occurs.
Hospitality business face fines of up to £10,000 if they do not do not adhere to guidelines.
Staff in hospitality businesses must also wear masks along with customers.
Masks can be removed by customers when they are seated at their table to eat or drink.
