'Look at supermarkets and schools': Angry Chesterfield pub landlord hits out at Tier 3 decision

A Chesterfield pub landlord has criticised the Goverment’s decision to keep Derbyshire under the strictest level of coronavirus restrictions.
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Lewis Brown, who runs The Hop Flower at Inkersall, said a drop in infections locally should have resulted in a drop to Tier Two, which would have allowed hospitality venues to open before Christmas.

Health secretary Matt Hancock revealed in the House of Commons today that only two areas – Bristol and North Somerset – will move from Tier Three into Tier Two.

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Lewis, who also runs two pubs in Ilkeston, said: “I feel as a business with three Derbyshire-based venues the same disappointment we have felt throughout the pandemic.

Chesterfield pub landlord Lewis Brown is angered by the Tier Three announcement.Chesterfield pub landlord Lewis Brown is angered by the Tier Three announcement.
Chesterfield pub landlord Lewis Brown is angered by the Tier Three announcement.

"The health secretary states to stick to the rules and the tier will drop? Our communities have worked so hard, and there is a clear reduction in Covid cases in our area, yet we are still being held in Tier Three.

"My main anger comes from the tarnishing and scare-mongering from Government-imposed restrictions on our industry.

"If hospitality is a high cause of infection rates how come cases are still rising at an alarming rate when we have been closed for six weeks?

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"I think deep down we all know we are being made to suffer to allow other sectors to profit.”

He said the Government should be looking more closely at other areas of the economy to see how the virus was being spread.

"I would advise said Government to look closer at supermarkets and places of education, that is where the rise is coming from,” Lewis added.

"It’s all well and good enforcing queues outside supermarkets but inside is a free for all.”

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The Government has published its reasons for Derbyshire remaining in Tier Three, saying that since the national lockdown ended the situation in most parts of the county had ‘deteriorated’ and the overall picture remains ‘concerning’.

There has also been an increase in the number of Covid admissions to local hospitals and the proportion of critical care beds occupied by patients with the virus remains ‘high’.

"Overall, for Derby and Derbyshire the epidemiology indicators are still too high for de-escalation to Tier Two,” the report says.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.