Coronavirus: Breweries vow to stick to lockdown rules after investigation finds pubs flouting restrictions
The mayor of Greater Manchester says the majority of venues are let down by the minority which are not taking the rules seriously.
Friday 14 August 2020 18:56, UK
Major UK breweries admit they have "an important role to play" in controlling the spread of COVID-19, after a Sky News investigation revealed nine out of 10 pubs in Greater Manchester were flouting lockdown rules.
In an unprecedented joint statement, the breweries, which operate venues across Greater Manchester, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has given us all a new set of responsibilities.
"It is vital that the trade and all industry stakeholders continue to follow the government guidance on measures to restrict the spread and keep venues safe."
Earlier this week, a Sky News undercover team visited 10 licensed premises in a borough of Greater Manchester where COVID-19 cases are rising.
Only one out of the 10 venues visited proactively asked for contact details to help with the government's Test and Trace programme.
In two venues, social distancing was being ignored.
After seeing our footage, Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, said it was time for the hospitality industry to "get its house in order".
Today, he backed the group statement, saying: "I welcome the fact that the majority [of venues] are complying with all the government guidelines.
"But the majority are being let down by the minority who are not taking the regulations seriously. I am happy to support the sector but we do need the whole industry to step up."
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Today, it was revealed that local lockdown restrictions in Greater Manchester would be kept in place for at least another week.
Mr Burnham said it was important that the public "play its part" in helping to control the disease's spread.
The breweries behind today's unprecedented joint statement are Admiral Taverns, Greene King, Hydes, Joseph Holt Brewery, JW Lees, Marston's PLC, Punch Pubs & Co., Robinsons Brewery, Star Pubs & Bars and Stonegate Pub Company.