Covid: Leeds pub shuts for week amid rising cases

While closed the pub would undergo a deep clean Mr Fisher said

A pub landlord says he has chosen "to do the right thing" and close for a week because of rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the area.

The Commercial in Armley, Leeds, announced the closure on Saturday to "protect everyone".

Landlord Graham Fisher said: "There has being a big increase in cases around here and rather than wait we decided to close for a week."

The pub is due to reopen on 27 September for bookings only, he said.

The closure was announced in a post on social media.

Mr Fisher, who has been the pub's landlord for five years, said: "We have to think about our customers, we have quite a few who are elderly.

"We are just trying to do our bit."

• More stories from Yorkshire

• What are the rules for meeting my friends?

The infection rate of coronavirus in Leeds up to 17 September was 83.1 per 100,000 people.

On Friday the government rejected a request by Leeds City Council for a curfew on pubs and bars to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Council leaders had asked ministers to implement a 22:00 curfew on venues, but the suggestion was turned down.

"It's totally different with everybody sat down and we've binned some discos and quizzes", Mr Fisher said

Mr Fisher described the Commercial as a "proper old-fashioned" pub which employed four staff and had a clientele mostly over the age of 35.

The maximum capacity of the pub has been reduced from about 120 customers to 42 all-seated due to coronavirus regulations.

"Ninety-nine per cent of customers have been absolutely fantastic about the closure decision. I am pleased how they have reacted, none have complained," said Mr Fisher.

"I am quite happy with this decision off my own bat, I feel like we have done the right thing."

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or send video here.