NEW coronavirus restrictions have lead to less turnover, a heavier workload and lack of efficiency for West Dorset pubs and restaurants.

The new measures for hospitality venues, which came into force a week ago, include mandatory table service, masks having to be worn when not seated and a strict 10pm closing time for all pubs, bars and restaurants.

Rules were introduced as the industry struggles to recover from damage done by the lockdown earlier in the year. MPs were yesterday denied a vote on getting a bigger say on renewing emergency powers.

Many venues are finding the measures to be detrimental to business.

John Baker, landlord of the Ropemakers in Bridport, said: "It’s been so much difficult with the table service – labour rate has doubled – we've had to bring in a lot more staff. Everyone’s running on low batteries.

"It’s hard to do our individual jobs whilst also having to enforce the restrictions by yourself.

"Wearing masks inside until you get to your table is a bit silly – the majority of the time you spend in the place you’re sat down with other people."

Lesley Waring, landlady of the Knapp in Beaminster, said: "It’s been a real challenge for us, we’re still getting used to it.

"We only have one person on shift at a time, so with the table service it’s been really difficult, the table service has really been slowing us down.

"Ideally I would have two people on shift but that obviously costs more money when we’re already losing out on profits.

"The rules seem to change so often, people get used to what’s going on and then next week it all changes again and we have to enforce new rules.

A staff member at the Tiger Inn in Bridport, said: "It’s a real bottleneck for the business having to do table service. You can’t serve as many people as quickly or efficiently as you would like to.

"With the pub shutting at 10 pm– people might not finish work until 6 or 7, by the time you finish work is it worth going to the pub?

"We have to get on with it like everyone else. A lot of businesses are struggling anyway and this could be the straw which breaks the camel’s back."

Local restaurants have also been feeling the effect of the new measures, with the amount of seating times available restricted by the 10pm closure rule.

Simon Mazzei, owner of the Olive Tree in Bridport, said: "Previously, our last seating was at 9pm which meant that we can put two sittings on most of our tables. Now we’re taking last bookings at 8.15pm and it restricts us quite a bit.

"The most disappointing thing for us was how last minute everything was, we were given less than 24 hours to adapt to the new measures and there was very little detail on what to do if people refuse to comply with the restrictions.

"It restricts our trade again, we have fixed overheads to cover and now we’re running with fewer tables, fewer customers and less opening hours."