The myriad rules of life in Tier 2 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions were blasted by businesses today, with pub owners saying they ‘feel more like police than bar staff’.
Usually bustling city centre high streets were exceptionally quiet as shoppers, workers and drinkers shunned Manchester.
The Shambles Square – normally packed with afternoon drinkers – looked abandoned.
Car parks were also half-empty as many employees avoided the city commute in favour of working from home.
The lack of people coming into the city has had a devastating impact on the pub trade.
Wayne Crowsley, 54, owner of the Rovers Return, in Manchester, said: ‘We are down probably around 40 per cent.
‘When people come into the pub, we have to take their word that they are in the same bubble, household or are colleagues.
‘That’s all we can do unless the Government decides that people have to prove they are all from the same household.
‘We shut promptly at 10pm and we are put under a lot of pressure to make sure people are abiding by the rules.
‘Sometimes we feel more like police than bar staff.
Wayne Crowsey, landlord of Manchester’s Rovers Return, said rules him feel like the police
Damien Brockway said he used to take 100 staff for a pint, but was now banned under Tier 2
A mask wearing Manchester resident on the city streets earlier today in the Tier 2 area
Shambles Square in Manchester is usually packed but was abandoned this lunchtime
A mural in Manchester today paying tribute to the NHS put up in the very quiet city centre
‘When pubs became table service only, we stopped serving food because it was too labour intensive and employ too many staff.
‘We look after our staff well and I think paying two thirds of the wages if we go into Tier 3 is fair.
‘What I don’t think is fair is the £3,000 businesses would receive.
‘It is just a drop in the ocean when between £2,000 to £3,000 a week goes out in standing orders and that is on top of wages.
‘We are in business to make money and losing 40 per cent can be the difference between making a profit or a loss.
‘I am pleased Andy Burnham is standing up for Manchester but I think he is wrong about the two-week circuit breaker being nationwide.
‘Focus on the areas where infection rates are high.’
‘But I have to say Greater Manchester Police and Salford Council have been fantastic and given us a lot of support.’
Manchester has been deserted after the Government places it into Tier 2 of coronavirus rules
Andy Burnham had been dubbed ‘The King in the North’ for his stance against Westminster
Wayne continued: ‘If we were forced to close, we’d be losing around £2,000 a week.
‘For a few weeks we could stand that but if that continued it would be hard.
‘I can see a lot of pubs and businesses not re-opening if they were forced to close.’
Drinker Damian Brockway, CEO of telecommunications company Amvoc, was enjoying a pint of San Miguel in the Rovers Return.
He said: ‘Going for a pint is a lot harder now than it used to be.
‘You have remember you mask, hope there is somewhere to sit and that the pub is serving food.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham had said the city needed more money to survive
The few pedestrians in Manchester were seen wearing masks outside in an effort to help safety
City leaders have been infuriated by government and accused them of testing systems there
‘We have three offices in the UK and a huge part of the character of the organisation is social aspect.
‘We employ a lot of younger people and they regularly go to the pub after work to relax and socialise.’
The 53-year-old added: ‘As a company, we would often take up to 100 staff out to the pub at lunch-time.
‘We would have a few drinks and a bite to eat – nothing too wild – and get to know them better.
‘But with the restrictions, we can no longer do this.
‘It’s a shame because it gave everyone a boost and kept them happy, and at the same time it was helping trade at the pub.’
Richard Walker, 28, was having a lunch-time pint with colleague, Rob Thompson, 31, at the Black Bull.
Construction worker Richard, from Stockport, said: ‘The city centre as been pretty much like this ever since we came out of lockdown.
‘I don’t think the city has recovered.
‘This place is usually packed but look around – you can take your pick of where to sit.’
He added: ‘I’m not a fan of table service, not being able to stand at the bar or move about the pub.
‘It has ruined the atmosphere and takes the edge of having a pint.
‘We come to have a pint and have a laugh but when the pubs are so empty, you’re very conscious of making too much noise.
‘I think it’s only going to get worse as we get into winter.’
Rob, from Manchester, said: ‘People are definitely staying away.
‘It’s too restrictive so people are not bothering.
‘I’m not sure it will ever go back to how it was. Once people start getting out of the habit of going out, they start to fill their time doing other stuff.
‘It’s a shame because having a laugh with your mates in the pub always cheers you up.
‘You could have had a bad day but after a couple of hours in the pub with your mates taking the mick out of each other, you feel miles better.
‘All that’s gone now. Going for a drink is supposed to be enjoyable. If it’s not, then people will stay at home.’