Owners of Orbis and the Wheatsheaf in Oakham 'frustrated' by Government's last-minute tier 3 decision for Rutland

Pubs and restaurants in Rutland have been forced to close again as the county moved to tier 3 Covid restrictions.

The tier 3 rules, which came into place on New Year's Eve, meant that all pubs and bars had to close in Rutland unless operating a takeaway service.

Jonathan Spencer, owner of Orbis in Oakham, believes that most businesses in the town were fully booked for New Year's Eve with customers wanting to celebrate the end of 2020.

He said: "I'm absolutely gutted - I can't put it into any other words.

"It's not come as a shock but I think the timing is what is frustrating myself and other hospitality owners."

Jonathan had purchased thousands of pounds worth of food and drink for Orbis' special New Year’s Eve world tasting menu.

"I personally don't think with the hospitality restrictions in place there's an adverse risk being open," said Jonathan.

"People are wearing masks, there's a curfew.

"There's more of a risk letting people mix on Christmas Day."

The tier 3 news has also come as a blow to Dan Lacey, owner of the Wheatsheaf in Oakham.

"Once again it's punishing the pubs when we are the strictest," said Dan.

"Everyone coming in has to fill out track-and-trace, we sanitise, people wear masks when they come in and as soon as you leave the table.

"It is sanitised everywhere you go but you go to a supermarket and there's none of this happening.

"Why is the Government punishing the pub trade?"

Since reopening at the beginning of December, Dan and his team have turned away more than 400 people coming from tier 3 areas.

The Wheatsheaf was due to host a sit-down ticketed dinner on New Year's Eve, which they had to cancel at the last minute.

Dan said: "I don't think [the Government] are prepared to make the decision ahead of themselves.

"They are seeing cases rising which they knew that would happen after Christmas so they should have made the decision before."

Has your business been affected by the new tier rules? Let us know by e-mailing smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk.