A North Yorkshire pub has banned drinkers under-25, as young people bear the brunt of a surge in UK coronavirus cases.
The Oddfellows Arms in Sherburn, near York, announced in a Facebook post on Thursday that it would refuse to serve the age group after Boris Johnson announced tighter restrictions on social gatherings.
Infections are most prevalent among 19 to 21-year-olds, with 54 cases per 100,000 people seen over the past week, compared to the national average of 19.7.
The post read: "In light of recent events and an escalation in cases, we are now not serving anyone in the age bracket 18-25."
It continued: "We have thought about this very carefully, and we will continue to try and ensure our community, customers and staff are all kept safe in these difficult times.
"Before anyone tries to say we are wrong, think of the implications for us as a business.
"This is not where we want to be. We would rather have a safe environment than a place which is teetering on the risk of closure. Please see that we are acting for everyone's best intentions at this time.
"We have some of the most amazing well-mannered, well-behaved customers in that age bracket, but we simply cannot take the risk. As soon as we feel safe to do so we will ensure everyone knows. Thank you for understanding."
The pub’s owner later removed the following an angry flurry of complaints.
She told the Standard that she had been inundated with “abuse”, but she would not be changing the policy yet.
“I just want to keep everybody safe,” she said.
Another pub of the same name swiftly clarified that it was not applying the same rules.
“Hi everyone, please note the below post is not related to the Oddfellows Arms on Harrogate Road Bradford.
Many thanks to everyone who has contacted us with regards to this post. #StaySafe #DrinkResponsibly.”
