A Bury pub landlord faces the prospect of having to turn away regular customers due to new coronavirus restrictions in neighbouring Bolton.
Sean Hornby runs The Queens pub in Bradley Fold, just 100 or so yards away from the border with Little Lever. The publican, who is also a councillor for Little Lever, now faces the unusual prospect of remaining open while turning away loyal customers.
Coun Hornby is now asking the government and Health Secretary Matt Hancock for more guidance on what the new restrictions actually mean for customers.
He said: "We're fortunate in the fact that we're just over the border from Bolton in Bury so we're allowed to stay open.
"However the Health Secretary has been very vague as to who can and can't come into pubs, whether people in Bolton are banned from crossing the border. Luckily I've been in the community a long time so recognise people who are coming in.
"The danger is that people living in Little Lever will cross the border. If I know them, I can turn them away but if I don't, how am I supposed to know?"
Coun Hornby has put a number of measures in place to make his pub as safe as possible. Track and trace QR codes are placed around the venue, a huge beer garden allows customers to socially distance effectively, and he will soon have temperature checks upon entry.
After seeing the coronavirus infection rate data first hand in his work as a councillor, he believes that the tightening of restrictions in Bolton is the correct decision.
"It had to be done," he added.
"The infection rates are sky high, especially in 18-49 year-old white population.
"Fortunately the number of hospital admissions is really low and there hasn't been a death at Bolton Hospital for sometime. Hopefully there will not be another coronavirus death there.
"Some people are just really irresponsible though. I've been informed about someone who tested positive after visiting another pub and was meant to be in isolation until tomorrow.
"Yet, we've had reports that he's been seen elsewhere.
"The authorities have been informed because it's behaviour like that which is causing an even bigger problem."
