The George in Fordingbridge not reopening yet under Tier 2 system

Caroline Roylance, who runs the George pub in Bridge Street, says it is “not viable” to reopen at the moment and that the new tier system is "singling out" the hospitality sector.

Hampshire has been put into Tier Two. These new restrictions came into force on Wednesday after the second lockdown came to an end.

Caroline said: “It is devastating not to reopen because Christmas is a fantastic time of year to work in hospitality and we’d usually have a great December with all our staff. Unfortunately, all people want to do is book our dining pods and we can’t run a business on six tables.”

She said there were also problems in terms of policing the one household and bubble rules. Caroline says reopening will be reviewed and hopes the area is moved into a lower tier.

Speaking about the tier system, she said: “It’s not just us feeling disgruntled. It is the way the tiering system has been done. The fact in any tier you can go and get your eye lashes done but you can’t have a meal in a socially distanced pub with your friend is just insanity. It is the fact that hospitality are just being singled out. I understand not serving drinkers.”

“We feel if we had reopened under Tier Two restrictions it wouldn’t have been financially viable. We wouldn’t have been able to keep our head above water. Then the inevitable lockdown that is going to come in January would have meant we would never open again - I can’t keep creating more debt with no income. If it wasn’t for the furlough we wouldn’t be a business anymore,” she said.

“Maybe we have made a mistake by not reopening but I want to preserve my business so that it is still here after the pandemic and my 25 members of staff still have a job.”

She added: “It is a really difficult situation and it is terrible to have to make it [the decision over reopening]. I think we have made the right decision for us and our staff.”

The George says this is the first time in eight years that it will not be open on Christmas Day.

New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne said: “The measures are some relief to retail, gyms, personal services and churches. They are a disaster for hospitality however. This is an industry which has gone to enormous and expensive lengths to make themselves secure.”

As part of the restrictions you are not allowed to socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting.

However, despite not reopening its doors The George has undergone a festive makeover - with Christmas lights and displays. Caroline has also been posting advent videos on social media.

The Shop In The Courtyard at the pub will be open for late night shopping from 5pm to 8pm and for private appointments on weekdays.