'The fear factor': Pub's shocking deterrent for coronavirus rule breakers
With staff sick of patrons ignoring social distancing measures amid the coronavirus pandemic, one pub has implemented an unusual method which will literally shock revellers.
The Star Inn in Cornwall, UK, has erected an electric fence at the pub’s bar to enforce social distancing, with owner Johnny McFadden telling Cornwall Live it was for “everybody's benefit”.
“It's there for social distancing,” Mr McFadden said.
“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.”
However, Mr McFadden did admit to CNN the fence wasn’t always on, but it still worked as a deterrent.
"It's not on but it's got the desired effect that everybody thinks it's on and they keep well away from it. It's the fear factor. It's working very well," Mr McFadden told CNN.
Initially Mr McFadden wanted to put some sort of rope or chain up to prevent the locals from swarming the bar, but opted for the electric fence when he couldn’t find the necessary materials.
He also told CNN he didn’t believe other alternatives would be effective.
In a video shared by Cornwall Live, posters near the bar remind customers to not sit or stand near the bar and remain at least one metre away from others.
Located in rural southwest England, Mr McFadden said all the Cornwall locals know what an electric fence is.
“It keeps the sheep away, it keeps the people away,” he told Cornwall Live.
Images of the electric fence ended up on social media over the weekend, with most people finding the method quite funny.
Others praised management for considering the safety of workers and customers.
Pubs, restaurants and hotels were allowed to reopen on July 4 as the UK eased restrictions.
“Today we can say that our long, national hibernation is beginning to come to an end,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in parliament when announcing the easing of the lockdown.
“All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service and our guidance will encourage minimal staff and customer contact.”
In the UK there have been over 290,000 confirmed coronavirus infections since the start of the pandemic and more than 44,000 deaths.
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