Isle Of Wight Pubs Ignore Government Ban On Closures

It's understood a number of pubs on the Isle of Wight are defying Government rules today (Sunday), by staying open when the Prime Minister ordered them to close last week. Isle of Wight Radio listeners say The Waterfront Inn in Shanklin is open today. Beurois Vincent, Company Director at the Waterfront Inn, posted the following statement on Facebook: "Following the recent interest and the numerous hate message received, it's time for you to hear it directly from us, so if you would like to know the truth, please read... As per government guidance, our restaurant was closed on Friday evening, right after Mr Boris Johnson speech, and the bar shortly after that very same evening. (so before Saturday the 21st) "Our building is also the home of our 7 rooms B&B/hotel, for which, there is no guidance, no closure requirement, no information. For this reason, our guest has been offered food and drink as there is no cooking facilities in the rooms, and they wouldn't be able to find a restaurant open to feed themselves. "Also per government guidance, we have been offering take away service for drinks only, sadly, I admit our mistake, we did not remove our outside chairs, were take away customers have found themselves comfortable, at first, having a large terrace, social distance were respected, but then, few more people came. "I completely agree that it is upsetting but this wasn't the result expected, our original intention was to provide drinks for the numerous walker on the seafront. "So, YES, WE APOLOGY for the wrong message passed. YES, WE ARE CLOSE (bar and restaurant) YES, we do respect the government guidance, our licencing authorities and the wellbeing of our locals. "Local authorities has been in contact and were provided with CCTV footage to prove that we only have served take away, and that the bar was close. In this time of boredom, we cannot stop people from gossiping, but the truth had to be told. Thank you for your understanding, the Waterfront Inn Shanklin (in picture above)[SIC]" Meanwhile, Jo, Operations Manager at Fishermans Cottage said: "As a Nation we are advised to help each other and shoulder each other’s burden. I understand that people within the community are scared, are fearful of the unknown,I post this without prejudice. "I, Operation Manager of Fishermans Cottage Inn and Shanklin Chine, with the support of my staff offered a takeaway service over this weekend. Today, we made takeaway Sunday Roast dinners, and personally delivered them to the doors of vulnerable people. We used our produce, bought in for this weekend and for Mothers Day. We provided a service at no cost, it was all free of charge.  "The pub has been closed all weekend. I have been there over this weekend and I can give my word that no one was sat in / out side the pub. We didn’t serve anyone and we did not trade. A takeaway service we offered, door to door service  to use the fresh food and produce we had. I couldn’t let the food go to waste given the current situation of the food shortage in the supermarkets.  "I am more than happy for comments, concerns, worries to be emailed to me along with your contact telephone number. I will personally make the time to talk to anyone and reassure you that Fishermans Cottage has done all we can to help the community and help the vulnerable people by given them a takeaway dinner  My email is  - [email protected] "My heart goes out to you all. As a Nation,  I pray that you all keep safe and keep strong together[sic]" Meanwhile, it's understood the neighbouring Steamer Inn and Aqua Hotel are both closed.