A LANDLORD who adapted his pub so it could open tomorrow with the easing of restrictions is furious after being told by officials he would have to remain shut as it is not Covid compliant.

Brett Mendoza, of the Caxton Arms in Brighton, installed a new roof, new heaters and new furniture so he could open his doors tomorrow following the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions.

But despite receiving “over 700 bookings”, the pub in North Gardens will remain shut after Brighton and Hove City Council officials decided it did not follow Covid guidelines.

Posting on Twitter, the publican said: “6pm yesterday Brighton Council decided that with or without the temporary roof, my garden is not Covid compliant and forced me to close.

“Reason: Garden is below street level, surrounded by four walls, so air cannot flow.

“Stock bought. Absolutely devastated. Appeal is in.”

He added: “Anyway, off to the pub to finish getting it ready, in case they do the right thing and see sense.”

Brighton and Hove City Council was contacted for comment.

The Brighton pub was adapted in hopes of opening tomorrow

The Brighton pub was adapted in hopes of opening tomorrow

Lockdown restrictions in England are lifting further tomorrow allowing non-essential retail, hairdressers, gyms and pub beer gardens to reopen.

Have you been told you are not allowed to reopen? Email jody.doherty-cove@theargus.co.uk

From April 12 non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and community centres and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be allowed to reopen across England.

Most outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks can reopen, although wider social distancing rules will still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Twitter responds 

Speaking earlier this week

Caxton Arms Landlord Mr Mendoza spoke to The Argus earlier this week, before receiving the devastating news.

He said: "We've had a bit of a refurb in the garden with a new roof, new heaters, new furniture and artwork by (Brighton street artist) The Postman.

Publican Brett Mendoza has been left devastated

Publican Brett Mendoza has been left 'devastated'

"We have done everything we think is right," said Brett. "The government only released the guidelines for pubs yesterday, but we are ready to go."

Brett said it would be a challenge to turn a profit until pubs could open their indoor spaces from May 17 - at the earliest.

"It's hard because we only have a capacity of 32 when we can usually take 150 people, so we will be operating at a loss until next month.

"But just to be able to welcome people back again is going to be great because I didn't know if I would be able to - we have been losing money every week.

"I have been here for three years now, although the last one doesn't really count, and business was going really well before the first lockdown.

"But I'm not sure how it will be now. All the clientele working in offices in Queen's Road and nearby, who would often come in during their lunch hour or after work, I'm not sure when they will be coming back.

"But hopefully people will still come, and still enjoy it."

"We have had over 700 bookings," Brett said. "It's good to know people are interested.

"But I feel really sorry for the landlords that have lost their pubs during lockdown, and those who can't open tomorrow (because of the conditions).

"It's been a tough year for everyone, but especially in our industry. We have had the most hoops to jump through and some didn't make it."

Brett said he had needed to pay £300 a week in maintenance payments which was not covered by government grants designed to help businesses stay afloat.

However, a Crowdfunder campaign set up by friends and customers helped keep the Caxton alive and kicking, raising £6,000 to help cover costs.

"I'm so grateful to everyone for supporting the pub," Brett said. "Now they can finally come back here.

"It's the best thing, going to the pub, so let's try and get back to normal."