East Leeds pub The Old Red Lion Whinmoor bans under-25s on weekends due to 'lack of social distancing'

The Old Red Lion, Whinmoor, announced the decision on Monday, citing younger drinkers "refusing to adhere to social distancing rules" as the reason behind the policy.

The pub said the decision was made to protect its staff and regular customers.

Anyone who looks under 25 will not be admitted into the pub without identification on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

In a Facebook post, the pub's management said: "Please note we are implementing an over 25s only [policy] in our pub at the weekends. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"This is due to the Government restrictions which came into effect today.

"We have found some of the younger age drinkers are refusing to adhere to any social distancing rules and it's not fair by putting both our staff and our regular customers as well as our business at risk.

"Until these current Government restrictions are lifted we are sorry but we must put safety of others first."

The rise in the rate of Covid-19 infections in Leeds and other areas has been partly attributed to an increase in cases among young people.

It comes as the landlady of another Leeds pub said she stuck by a ban on drinkers aged 18-25.

Maggie Holmes, owner of The Oddfellows Arms in Sherburn-in Elmet, said she had been left a "nervous wreck" after posting a Facebook statement explaining the change - which has since been deleted.

She said she has had death threats since making the announcement.

But Maggie said she was standing by the change in order to protect customers, her business and the wider area.

What are the current rules around meeting in pubs in Leeds?

The new ‘rule of six’ means that social gatherings of more than six people in England is not allowed, bar some exemptions.

When meeting friends and family you do not live with you must not meet in a group of more than 6, either indoors or outdoors.

This new rule applies to people of all ages in private homes, both indoors and outdoors, alongside pubs, restaurants, cafes and public outdoor spaces.

The rule of six does not apply to schools, workplaces, weddings, funerals and organised team sports in England.

Those who ignore the new rules in England could be fined £100, which will double with each offence to a maximum of £3,200, and groups larger than six can be broken up by police.

Covid marshals will also be brought into place in England to enforce social distancing in city centres.

The government has said marshals can either be volunteers or existing council staff members.

In areas where marshals have already been introduced, they have done things such as giving out hand sanitiser and face coverings, alongside answering questions and explaining social distancing guidelines to members of the public.

Marshals do not have the power to enforce social distancing restrictions or to issue fines to those who break the rules, but the government has said they can call the police if enforcement action is needed.

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