DRINKERS have been advised to follow Covid regulations this party season after a popular bar issued a warning over abuse of its staff.

A spokesman from The Derby Inn on Dalton Road, Barrow, said: "Recently due to the time of year and a few other factors we have hit capacity on a Friday and Saturday night quite often in the pub and have had to stop letting people in at certain points of the evenings.

"This has resulted in our staff/doorstaff receiving a lot of abuse and grief (particularly last weekend).

"The reason we do this is for the safety of the public and fire regulations.

"It's not like we like turning people away.

"So please bear this in mind over the weekend."

Black Eye Friday, also known as Mad Friday, is usually the busiest nights of the year for work parties and get-togethers and other festive revelling.

The day has a reputation for involving excessive drinking and disorders.

A spokeswoman from Furness Barwatch has enforced that partygoers are to stick to Government guidelines and hopes everyone can enjoy a safe night out this Christmas

She said: "Customers will have to follow the new Covid regulations that have recently come into force for late night venues.

"Members will not tolerate any kind of abusive or violent behaviour towards staff or customers, and anyone found doing this will be issued with lengthy bans.

"The Hospitality trade has been hit hard over the last 18 months, members are just following the legislation set by government and do not expect to be threatened and abused for doing their job.

"Members take any assaults on staff seriously and a two-year ban will be issued, zero tolerance toward drug taking and being found with drugs will also lead to a lengthy ban, and the police will be called.

"Remember Furness is an exciting place to have a great night out, but please respect the hardworking staff at our member’s premises."