Popular Bognor Regis bar owner says why they will not reopen yet

The owner of a popular Bognor Regis venue has told of his apprehension at reopening and concern that anti-Covid guidelines are being flouted.
By Joe Stack
Published 16th Jul 2020, 14:47 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2020, 14:50 BST
Picture courtesy of TAOPicture courtesy of TAO
Picture courtesy of TAO

Dan Slade, who owns TAO in High Street, said while he and his team are eager to reopen, the lingering prospect of Covid-19 has left them uncertain.

Having visited pubs when they were able to reopen earlier this month (Saturday, July 4), Dan described the handling of social distancing and other safety measures as ‘horrendous’.

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"With lockdown going on up and down the country, unfortunately I did venture into a couple of local pubs and the social distancing and other rules being followed were horrendous. I made the right judgement not to reopen at the weekend," he said.

“I made the right judgement not to reopen at the weekend. I had a sit down with regulars and staff and said it wasn’t worth risking anyone’s health at this time.

“We are desperate as a team to get back and reopen but will all these rules and regulations in place it would be very hard at this stage.

“We want to give people an enjoyable experience. We don’t want it to be like a library.”

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He added that ‘strict social distancing’ rules in pubs make them less inviting and the bar will be reopening when he is confident people are abiding by the rules.

When it reopens will be managed by the latest addition to the TAO team, Anna-Maria Andreou.

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