A Wetherspoon pub in Runcorn closed for a deep clean after customers and staff became ill with suspected cases of norovirus.
Two groups of customers who attended the Ferry Boat on Church Street and some members of staff reported symptoms of the illness, which is often dubbed the 'winter vomiting bug'.
The company decided to close the pub for 48 hours to conduct a deep clean.
A spokeswoman for Halton Borough Council's environmental health department said it had supported the decision and stressed the action had not been Covid related.
Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for Wetherspoons said: "Two groups of customers who attended the Ferry Boat in Runcorn on Sunday and some members of staff have reported symptoms consistent with a norovirus infection.
"Norovirus is not food poisoning, but rather is a contagious stomach bug which can spread from person to person primarily via airborne particles.
"The pub was not ordered to close by the environmental health officer.
"Instead, the company decided to voluntarily close the pub for 48 hours in order to complete a deep clean and to allow staff who are ill to recover.
"It is envisaged that the pub will reopen today (May 28)."
A spokesperson for Halton Borough Council said “The council’s environmental health department is aware of this matter and supports the action taken by JD Wetherspoon.
"The council would like to reassure residents that the closure is not related to Coronavirus.”
