Bolton pub adopts ‘no mask no entry’ rule after countless punters claim to be exempt
A popular independent brewery bar in Bolton has introduced a ‘no mask, no entry’ policy after encountering problems with numerous punters attempting to gain entry saying they are exempt over the Bank Holiday weekend.
As the sun shone and the temperatures soared, people right across Greater Manchester headed to their locals to make the most of it, but Blackedge Brewing Company – which was founded 12 years ago by Managing Director Wayne Roper, and operates the Blackedge Brewery Bar in the Horwich area of Bolton – was forced to issue a statement on social media yesterday regarding its mask policy.
The bar said the policy was needed to “keep staff and customers safe”.
The statement read: “It is with regret we have to make this announcement however but with immediate effect we will be operating a no mask, no entry policy.
“If you are exempt, then please download the card and simply show us on entry.
“We apologise to the genuinely medically exempt for the inconvenience but we must keep staff and customers safe.”
Providing more clarity as to why the decision has been taken to implement the policy, the Blackedge Brewing Company added: “The reason we must operate this policy is the sheer number of groups of people that have visited late during the weekend who were all ‘exempt’ from wearing a mask.
“COVID is exploding in Bolton so the risk level is high.
“We will be fined £5,000 if checked and found to be breaking the law… People who try to enter the premises and don’t follow the rules set out by actual law will not be served and asked to leave.”
The company also said it will have a “zero tolerance policy” on abuse towards staff – which it said “sadly has happened” – and all incidents as such will be reported to the local pubwatch scheme so that people who become abusive “could face bans from all the local member pubs and bars”.
“This is not difficult folks, wear a mask, sit down at all times when drinking and be nice to all the people you encounter in your day / night out.” the statement continued.
“We don’t wish to cause embarrassment to anyone with a genuine exemption.
“To those that just couldn’t care less, it would be good that they know in advance they are not welcome to visit us at this time.”
The award-winning Horwich town centre bar has already made headlines this year, announcing in April that it would be stopping taking bookings for its outdoor drinking terrace after a significant amount of no-shows since reopening.
Featured Image – Blackedge Brewing Company Ltd