PUBS are getting ready for an influx of football fans watching England’s bid for glory in Euro2020...while still abiding by Covid-19 restrictions.
The long-awaited football tournament kicks off on Friday after a year’s delay due to the pandemic.
It is hoped it will provide a major boost the UK’s struggling hospitality industry.
But pubs are putting special measures in place to try to follow Covid rules.
During the 2018 World Cup, exuberant fans spilled out of pubs and into Head Street in Colchester to celebrate England wins with some setting off flares while others scaled lampposts.
Essex Police and the Garrison’s Military Police watched over the celebrations but a bus shelter was destroyed after England’s quarter final victory over Sweden leading officers to take action.
However, with the first England match taking place on Sunday against Croatia, Colchester pubs screening the game are making sure punters are adhering to Covid-19 regulations to help curb the spread of the virus.
Pubs showing the match in Colchester include The Centurion, The Marquis and Yates.
A spokesman for The Marquis, in North Hill, said: “We are going to have doormen during the football games as an extra precaution.
“We can’t stop people jumping up and celebrating if England scores a goal but the doormen will be there to try and keep the pub calm.”
The staff are in the process of arranging tables for the tournament as only groups of up to six people can sit together inside.
There are about 17 tables inside and 35 tables in the outside seating area.
He added: “We are trying to work out how many groups of six will be able to sit inside and may be able to get some extra tables in for the games.
“Anyone who wants to watch a game will need to book.
“We have been busy since we reopened and we feel ready for the Euros.”
A spokesman for Yates said the pub is already Covid-19 secure and remains confident guidance will be followed during the football matches.
Read more:
Where to watch the Euros in Colchester
He added: “We have a full management team and door security for every game along with polycarbonate glassware.”
During the matches face coverings must be worn when not at a table and there is no ordering from the bar allowed. All drinks will be delivered via table service.
Social distancing will be in place, but there is no curfew on drinkers at the moment.
Essex Police was contacted for comment on how it planned to police the town during the championships but had not responded at the time of going to press.
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