England EURO success drives Weymouth pub sales

But, it's not all good news for Dorset's landlords.

Author: George SharpePublished 3rd Jul 2021

Weymouth pubs say England's success and the EURO's is getting them back on track after a tricky year and a half.

Many pubs were full across Dorset on Tuesday as we faced off against Germany.

Some landlords are struggling to stop fans getting rowdy and ensure they stick to social distancing rules.

Keith Foose owns Hardy's Hophouse in Weymouth. He said:

"It's a massive boost, it's basically putting us back to 70% of what I projected but only on those England games.

"The rest of the week is quiet because people are still cautious, which is understandable."

But, that caution is being dropped as soon as England are playing, Keith says.

It comes just two weeks after a fanzone on Weymouth Harbour was cancelled due to fans virtually ignoring social distancing measures.

Keith says he's having to remind people to stick to the rules a lot. Many are leaving their tables without a mask on, and visiting other tables to chat to friends.

He's even had to remove people from the pub.

He said:

"In a normal world I'd be with them but they need to understand we're still in a pandemic, and we're still struggling with the rules.

"People just need to come out, enjoy their sport, come out and enjoy it, but please remember not just me and my team, there's numerous teams in town that are battling really hard to keep these pubs going and keep them running, and we do have the rules to follow.

"So if everyone can just abide by the rules, everybody will have a great night."

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