English pub adds an electric fence for social distancing safety

Owner of the Star Inn, Jonny McFadden, told CNN that he installed an electric fence in his pub to enforce social distancing rules.

Businesses around the world have had to embrace social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures as they’ve slowly begun reopening, but perhaps have done so more emphatically than this English pub in St. Just, Cornwall.

The fence itself is positioned in front of the bar as only table service is available. This is meant to prevent customers from meandering up to the bar for a drink.

McFadden says that he initially wanted to put in some rope or chain to keep customers away, but couldn’t find the necessary materials. So instead, he opted for the fence. Before the fence, he told the BBC, he struggled to keep customers away because “when you serve people a drink they change.”

“It’s not on but it’s got the desired effect that everybody thinks it’s on and they keep well away from it. It’s the fear factor. It’s working very well,” McFadden said.

Fifteen weeks ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the UK’s 60,000 pubs closed. On July 4, they reopened on the condition that customers give their contact details prior to entering, as well as mandatory social distancing. Many pubs had replaced their glass with plastic cups.

Since then, at least three pubs have had to close again after customers tested positive for the virus.

The reaction from customers was more good-natured than terrified as well.

“It was quite comical. We’re in a rural area so everybody knows what an electric fence is. I got a little sign too on it – ‘electric, danger.”
The only person to not see the funny side of it was McFadden’s insurance broker, who called to see if he was electrocuting people.