How do you know that the pubs are "jam packed"?

[Jourdain11]

... unless you've been in them yourself? Otherwise, isn't it just anecdotal and likely to be exaggerated?

I was speaking to a friend who has been for drinks a few times in central London, and he said that it has been pretty quiet each time and most people are sitting outdoors, etc. But because of the pics of Old Compton St on the first night, everyone reckons it has been packed ever since!

Of course, if you've been in them and they are jam packed, then you're one of the people jam packing them

I drove past one of my local pubs the night they opened. Rammed. The beer garden was full, nobody distancing, so God knows what it was like at the bar itself. Hopefully the novelty has worn off a bit now though...?

Because where I am people have posted photos of bars and pubs showing just how busy they are. As a result of the backlash, some of these establishments have taken the decision to close for the rest of the month.

We went for a pint on Sunday at our village pub. There were 11 people altogether which to be honest is about normal.

They're not. My Dh is a engineer in the brewery trade. In & out of all types of hospitality establishment every day. All the owners are telling him trade is steady or down.

My local has been quiet. Beer garden and inside

Walking past them? One of the local ones has been very busy, others less so.

I think, as always, the vast majority are complying but it's the few others people are talking about.

I've been in one pub, it was very well organised. Tables well spread, one way system for the loo, separate entrance and exit, drinks brought and left at the end of the table, hand sanitizer everywhere.

I also drove past a notoriously rowdy pub on the day they opened. There were small groups of people sitting quietly outside.

I'd also like to know OP. Same for shops and restaurants being 'rammed' we went to the local out of town shopping park last night at 6pm and everywhere bar Tescos and McDonald's was shut. This includes five restaurants and a pub.

As lot of pubs and restaurants by us have outdoors areas open but the indoor area is closed or has one table. So I really don't think beer gardens are a good way to judge how busy they are.

I've been to a pub once, for a midweek lunch with my family. We were the only people inside the pub and there were about 3 tables in use outside.

I think a few pubs have been too busy during their busiest periods. Overall I think opening them has been ok.

But maybe I'm naive since I live quite rurally and for the most part the people I see out and about are acting sensibly. (Doesn't stop the local fb page bemoaning every sign of human activity though).

Walking and driving past. Spilling out everywhere. Defintely no distancing.

My husband is a pub manager for one of the bigger companies, and although he has been busy it's not "packed". Custoners have generally been very careful & respectful and everyone is keeping their distance from.other groups. North east though, not London but I don't think any of their pubs have reported issues with overcrowding or distancing. Obviously cant speak for the independent pubs but the chains have put strict processes in place to make sure everyone is as safe as possible in the circumstances

Think it depends where you are looking too to be honest. I live in a small town/village. We have a wetherspoons on the edge of town which seems to be quiet and sticking to the rules however, the small local pubs are packed when walking past just like they were before. There is a very large community spirit here, sort of a 'everyone knows everyone' kind of place and the smaller local pubs have always been where people have socialised together, that hasn't changed now.

I haven't been in we I'm pregnant but a few friends have and have all confirmed that social distancing has just gone out of the window as soon as people get a few drinks down them. People are mingling because they know everyone in there so are wanting to go up and say hello, have conversations etc...

Add that to the photos that are all over social media of city centre bars. I think it's quite clear that whilst some may be following the guidelines, lots aren't.

The ones I’ve seen/know people who’ve been to them are fine, we’ll organised, socially distanced, table service only etc. I don’t doubt though that there will be other places behaving irresponsibly. Frustrating as it can be done properly, but the minority are again likely to ruin it for all.

Some are, some aren't.

This is a local pub last week, now at the centre of a Covid outbreak:

www.expressandstar.com/news/health/coronavirus-covid19/2020/07/29/dozens-queue-to-be-tested-for-coronavirus-after-outbreak-at-stone-pub/

I'm judging it by the size of the queue outside when I walk past. Presumably it's full if people are queuing outside to get in.

But maybe they aren't "spilling out", maybe it's just people choosing to be outside? And maybe they're not distancing because they live together or they're in a bubble?

Look at that link OP, are you suggesting all those people in the beer garden live together?

I went into one that was jam packed - so we turned around and left and later sent a message to the landlady to raise our concerns.

Others we have been in have been operating well within the guidance and been a lovely experience

Because people I know have been to these packed out pubs and have taken photos when they’ve been. They were apparently appalled ....but still decided to stay. 🙄

Yes maybe @Jourdain11 but they were outside not distancing in large groups with arms around each other I dont really care if it's empty inside. I dont fancy walking through them all to get to the bar where the poor bar staff have also served them all.

You know that pubs have windows right OP?

@BernardsarenotalwaysSaints, does he work nationally?

Where my DD lives you walk past pubs and restaurants to shop. It's just outside of Liverpool. The pubs have been packed. I pass pubs on the bus and they are busy. Even on the first day fights happened.

My DD's BF cousin was stabbed, as were many others in Liverpool city centre in the first week the pubs opened. It was rammed. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

My DD went out on Monday to take advantage of the eating out scheme and it was packed in town. They had problems booking somewhere.

Takings might be down because of the booking system and some restriction on numbers. But places are still full. They are missing out on passing trade, which during the day would include families and pensioners.

Of course it will vary place to place.

@FruitLikeAPeach

Look at that link OP, are you suggesting all those people in the beer garden live together?

It's one photo

Because people
Only post or media print about the ones not following guideline
I have been to several for a meal as dh had is annual leave and out holiday cancelled and everyone of them followed guidelines , tables were far apart , staff had masks , table service etc . If i went somewhere that appeared packed or unsafe i would leave personally

@Cadent

You know that pubs have windows right OP?

But how many people walk past pubs gazing in the windows?