FURNESS Barwatch members are encouraging customers to enjoy the Euros inside their premises - whilst following Covid rules.

Customers will be required to follow Covid regulations, with those not complying or those who are showing violence towards staff given lengthy bans.

A spokeswoman for Furness Barwatch said: "The Hospitality trade has been hit hard over the last year and staff are finding customers to be abusive and threatening this is not acceptable, members are just following the legislation set by government and do not expect to be threatened and abused for doing their job."

One of those who has faced such abuse is Christine Armstrong, chairman of the Working Men's Club on Preston Street. She said: "When bar staff go up to people and tell them to sit down they just swear at you, they are not bothered. It's awful.

"You can't tar them with the same brush. It's just the odd one but then sometimes their mates join in.

"When I were a nipper I wouldn't dare do what some of them are doing.

"You try to tell them to stop dancing, and they still do it. Then you ask them to leave and they don't like it.

"We are showing the England and Scotland game on Friday, it's first come first serve and you get a wrist band. The wrist band will say which table they are on and that's it, that's the table you're sat on for the game and you can't be wandering around."

Furness Barwatch has worked closely with Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria Police to ensure members understand and action current government legislation. The members take any assaults of staff extremely seriously and may issue up to a two-year ban for any assault on a staff member.

Furness Barwatch is also supporting Cumbria Police’s domestic abuse campaign over the Euro’s and fully support their message of #BlowTheWhistle on domestic violence, advice and support is available from Victim Support on 0808 1689111.