PUBLICANS have reacted to the introduction of the Government’s 10pm curfew - with one landlady saying the restriction is causing customers to be ill through ‘binge drinking’.

Lisa Bircham, manager of The Morgan in Clarence Road, said: “With the curfew what we are finding is that customers are tending to drink more alcohol and quicker and becoming ill from it.

“Our staff have been really patient, going above and beyond during the pandemic.

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“When some customers stand up ready to leave it hits them and they can be unsteady on their feet.

“Next week, we’ll be closing on Monday and Tuesday in the day until 4pm to cut back on costs and we’ll have to look at the situation again in January if things stay the same.

“My customers are loyal, and I want to thank them for supporting the pub.”

The Government introduced the curfew in a bid to stem the rising rate of coronavirus.

John Wall, assistant manager at The Nag’s Head on Bank Street said: “The curfew does have an impact as 10pm means ‘kicking out’ time, so last orders are at 9pm to give drinkers time to finish.

“October and November are slow months anyway in the pub trade, but we can definitely see the negative impact of the curfew.”

However, Alison Douglas who is the manager of the Railway Inn in Wells Road, thinks the early closing time is a positive step.

She said: “It keeps people safe and to be honest this pub is never what you call a ‘heavy drinker’s pub’ so it’s not caused us any issues.

“Customers just tend to come earlier in the day for a few quiet drinks and we are more known for the food we provide to customers.”

Government measures are fluid and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said from the start he will change measures when needed.