Pubs unanimously ban MP for life for supporting COVID curfew

Andy Carter, an MP from Warrington South in the UK, will be banned for life from 30 or so pubs due to what they are calling attacking the industry for his own political gains.

The local group Pubwatch voted unanimously in favour of the ban, claiming he has "shown no support" to the industry and has brought it into "disrepute" with his pub safety scheme.

Especially at issue was the 10 pm curfew supported by Carter. Critics in the hospitality industry have said it "absolutely killed us." Also, Pubwatch maintains that the venues were complying with all pertinent guidelines and were as safe as anywhere else. Finally, according to critics, the earlier closing time just lead to more agglomerations of people milling about on the street trying to procure transportation to get back home.

According to the BBC, Carter fired back in an interview, claiming his opponents are doing what he is being accused of: angling for political gain.

"I specifically raised the issue in the House of Commons asking for more support for the sector, mentioning businesses such as Hop Co and The Red Lion. Pubs have received grants, access to loans and government schemes including Eat Out to Help Out and most recently back-dated support. I'm disappointed to see licensees using a an important scheme like Pubwatch for political aims, it's totally against what it was set up for."

Pubwatch is an umbrella covering decentralized local advocacy groups managed by volunteers. Their mission is to help make things safer in licensed pubs and other premises where alcohol is consumed in public. Their decision to ban Carter for life was not influenced in any way by any public officials whatsoever, according to the Cheshire Police.