IT appears the ‘new normal’ in Mossley looks just like the old one as pubs still welcomed customers through the doors.
And if the reaction at the Dysarts Arms is anything to go by, people feel safe and secure.
The Huddersfield Road hostelry as among several to open their doors on Saturday, July 4 after safety measures had been put in place.
And landlady Amy Barnie was delighted at the way the opening weekend – which was full of nerves and trepidation for virtually everyone in the industry around the country – turned out.
She said as she opened every day, with even the Monday night quiz restarting, with safety measures in place: “We have all the usual Covid-19 security and safety measures in place. That includes socially-distanced tables, one way in and out and around the pub and hand sanitiser stations. Track and trace is also in place.
“And so far, trade has gone well, customers also commented that they have felt safe on the premises.
“I feel like the first few days we were open went well, with the majority of customers happy to comply with our new rules.”
Elsewhere in Mossley, no problems were reported, with the New Bridge Inn describing the moment as, ‘a safe and sensible day/night for good friends to catch up with no trouble caused whatsoever’.
They added: “Those reminded of the rules on the day were polite and considerate to staff and quickly listened to what they should be doing so we thank you all for being safe, sensible and polite within our establishment.
“It was a brill day for all of us and we hope the success continues.”
At The Commercial in Bottom Mossley, several measures were put in place ahead of reopening, including a maximum capacity for people seated indoors and no sitting or standing at the bar.
People must use hand sanitiser when they enter toilet facilities are limited to two people at a time.
If those rules are not followed, they will simply be locked up.
A full risk assessment was carried out and all staff have completed online training as the pub said in a statement: “This will take time to adapt to the new regime, please bear with us and with your help we will get through it, as we are uncertain to how long these precautions will be in place for.”
The Gillery at Old Brow also ‘unlocked’ on July 4 with a new, five-table beer garden and interior table service.
“It’s been up and down trade wise,” explained owner Derm Gill. “But I wasn’t 100 per cent sure what it was going to be like.
“On the Saturday we opened all the table were full but on the Sunday we had more staff than customers.
“It will probably take a month or two before we can properly gauge it. But with doing table service you have got to be staff heavy.
“However, we do advise people to book tables at busy times,” added Derm whose premises are currently open Wednesday to Sunday inclusive.
Among The Gillery’s recent customers has been Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner Jon Courtenay.
Not every pub in Mossley opened its doors on July 4. The Butchers Arms on Stockport Road is opening to the public next month after opening for regulars and staff to ease their way in.
Marie Hobson from the Tollemache Arms revealed the pub will stay closed because of health issues and brewery Robinson’s is looking for a new tenant.
Aurora Caffe Bar on Manchester Road is also shut with a post on the business’s Facebook page saying: “Unfortunately, despite the Government easing restrictions, we are unable to open our doors to the public just now. We hope to be back serving soon.”