Two pubs just five metres apart have been placed in different tiers meaning one can open to drinkers while the other must stay closed.
A driveway separates Joe Joe Jims and The Old Hare and Hounds but it also acts as a boundary line which means they are in different counties.
This means Joe Joe Jims bar is in Cofton Hackett, Worchester, so falls into Tier 2 but The Old Hare and Hounds is in Rednal, West Midlands, so must stay closed as it is in the tougher Tier 3, Sun Online reports.
It can offer "click and collect" or a takeaway service but enjoying a drink inside with a 'substantial meal' is banned.
The Ember Inns-owned pub has been forced to issue refunds to customers who had placed Christmas bookings.
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It informed customers it was unable to open on its Facebook page, saying: “As you are all probably aware due to being placed into Tier 3 last week, we will unfortunately not be opening this Wednesday and will stay closed until current restrictions are lifted.
“Let us assure you all we are getting the pub ready and will open swiftly when allowed.
"We thank you all for your great support especially in 2020."
The news has upset the pub's regulars.
One said: “We are a driveway apart from each other, but it’s like we are living in a different world.
“It seems to make no sense at all. How can it be safe to drink in one pub but not next door?
“No one here can get their head around it. It’s crazy.”
Another customer said: “It makes zero sense. We’re gutted for them. It must be so frustrating. It’s five metres — madness.”
A third person commented: "Not good considering your neighbours will be open, stay strong we’ll be back."
A Joe Joe Jims customer said they were chuffed it was open but the rules shows "how mad this is all"
They added: “We feel very sorry for The Old Hare and Hounds. It’s not fair.”
The news comes as a woman has branded the rules "ludicrous" as while her home is under Tier 2 restrictions her garden is in the tougher Tier 3.
Sheila Herbert lives on Riverside Park, a street in Otley, West Yorkshire, split between two areas run by separate councils in different tiers.
This means while her house is in Tier 2 the minute she steps into her garden she is in Tier 3 so must abide by its stricter rules.
Sheila said: "It's ludicrous. Our house in Harrogate and our garden is in Leeds.
"Officially, my neighbours are in Tier 3 and we're in Tier 2."
The anomaly is the result of a peculiar border drawn up decades ago which means her house and garden are classed as being in two different areas.
Sheila said she also fears she may be breaking the law when she goes to hear nearest supermarket.
She said: "I've just been to Sainsbury's in Otley, which is in Tier 3. I'm not really officially meant to have gone into Tier 3 am I? But what am I supposed to do?"
