Few wearing masks in pubs over weekend

Doghouse manager Dora Komlosi said that she had not seen many people wearing face coverings since the announcement last week, and that she does not have any intention of making it a mandatory requirement in order to enter the pub.

‘It is whatever people want to do. We did have one group come up from St Pierre Park who were all wearing masks, but it is up to you.’

Islanders have been advised to wear masks where physical distancing is not possible, where there is poor ventilation, and anywhere with close crowds.

‘Once people have been drinking they will forget anyway,’ said Miss Komlosi.

Staff members were however wearing masks and have also been conducting their own lateral flow tests twice a week.

She added that when face coverings were made mandatory after the second lockdown, people were good at complying, but it meant that they had less business because of the social distancing requirements.

The States has said that businesses can ask staff and customers to wear face coverings if they wish and has urged customers to respect those requests.

Brian Stanford was not wearing a mask to watch the football at the Doghouse on Saturday afternoon.

‘I will wear one if we’re told we have to, but otherwise no. You can’t eat and drink with a mask on, but I do have one in my pocket just in case. If it came to it that we have to wear them, I will,’ he said.

Public Health updated Covid-19 guidance after the Bailiwick recorded over 200 active positive cases, which was the highest amount since February.

Owner of the Captains, Phil Leahy, said that 95% of customers had not been wearing masks and that staff were only wearing them when the pub was particularly busy.

He said that if it becomes mandatory it would have a huge impact on pubs and that he was expecting fewer customers due to the States advice.

‘People wouldn’t want to go out. People won’t want to sit and be out with a mask on when they could stay home and not wear one,’ said Mr Leahy.