UK pub installs electric fence to enforce social distancing

A British pub has come up with a shocking new way to enforce social distancing, and the owner said it’s for “everyone’s benefit”.

A pub has cordoned off its bar with an electric fence to stop punters breaking social distancing rules.

The landlord of The Star Inn in St Just, Cornwall said the extreme measures were for “everyone’s benefit” after punters continued to ignore the coronavirus guidelines.

Star Inn landlord Johnny McFadden told Cornwall Live: “It’s there for social distancing.

“Before the fence, people were not following social distancing and were doing as they pleased, but now people take heed to the guidance around social distancing.”

The no nonsense landlord added: “It’s for everybody’s benefit.”

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A UK pub installed an electric fence to enforce social distancing. Picture: BPM Media/australscope

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Along with a warning sign, the fully charged barrier stands around 30cm away from the bar, ensuring revellers don’t crowd around as they wait to be served.

Mr McFadden claimed that the fence is usually switched off, but was quick to warn: “It can be turned on.”

Several boozed-up customers claim they were zapped by the fence on Saturday night after a few pints.

A photo of the fence has been doing the rounds on social media, with some hailing it as “the best thing” they had seen for a long time.

The Star Inn has found a shocking way to enforce social distancing.

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On The Star Inn’s website, it is described as a “true gem, full of tradition, character and immense charm” – but there is no mention of an electric fence.

The website reads: “One of the oldest pubs in the town, the Star Inn has been used in several television and film roles, and is well known in the area for its excellent West Country ales.

“It is one of the few pubs left in the country that only sell wines, spirits and of course well-kept beer. Step back in time, come and visit us, a friendly welcome assured.”

This comes after British publicans struggled to keep drinkers socially distanced as the country enjoyed the first Friday night out since lockdown.

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Louis Chauvin, 26, who runs the Jaguar Shoes bar in Hoxton, told The Times: “It’s quite hard to communicate to customers, especially after two or three drinks, that they need to behave.

“They can’t just get up and go to the bar and get a drink or go to another table and chat to someone random they don’t know.

“Mostly the issue we have is there’s a table of pretty ladies and a table of pretty boys and they just go over, like, ‘All right do you want a drink?’ You can’t do that.”

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In Leeds, partygoers piled into kebab shops and cuddled up with friends on the street.

Revellers hugged each other tightly, held hands and enjoyed one another’s company after months of minimal contact.

Roy O’Keefe, owner of The Tib Street Tavern in the Northern Quarter, Manchester, said it was the younger customers who were mostly embracing the new freedoms.

He said: “The older crowd don’t seem to be coming in as much, it’s all lager that we’re selling at the moment – so you can tell it’s a younger age group.”

In Australia, pubs are at the centre of a new coronavirus outbreak in Sydney after a cluster of cases were found to have all visited the Crossroads Hotel in Casula, sparking concerns of a second wave.