A Bristol spirit producer has had to cancel its largest ever order because of a coronavirus scare.
Espensen Spirit, which operates from Bristol Spirit in Redfield, has temporarily halted its orders after its owner came into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 at the weekend.
Sam Espensen went for a test after the encounter on Sunday (October 25) - which has thankfully come back negative - but she will still need to self-isolate for two weeks, which means she cannot package and send out the orders.
Customers who ordered products from Espensen Spirit, including the hugely popular Halloween cocktail kits, have been offered refunds or the opportunity to exchange their spooky kit for a Christmas kit.
Since Bristol Spirit reopened in July it has been operating as a bottle shop showcasing drinks made by female producers, including Espensen Spirit's range of infused beverages.
Espensen Spirit announced the cancellation of its latest order on its Twitter page yesterday (October 26).
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"We are really, really sorry to do this, but we have to cancel your current Espensen Spirit order," reads the statement.
"This is due to Sam having to take a Covid-19 test as she was recently exposed to someone who has tested positive.
"The health and safety of our customers is of paramount important, and because Sam does the bulk of the work preparing orders this means we can't fulfil them.
"We have also closed our premises while we wait for the test result and we will take all necessary precautions before reopening, including deep cleaning once we are able to."
Phil Gillies, Sam's business partner, said the pair are "absolutely gutted" at having to cancel people's orders.
Those who had booked to visit an event at Bristol Spirit this week will have their ticket money refunded.
Last week The Bristol Loaf in Bedminster, Bar 44 in Clifton and Bomboloni on Gloucester Road were all forced to close temporarily due to positive tests among their respective staff.
