PROOF of address will be needed for those wanting to visit a number of pubs and other businesses in Hereford after out-of-county drinkers were turned away over the weekend.

Wye Valley Brewery's The Barrels in St Owen's Street is among the venues to issue an update today after police revealed that up to 300 would-be pubgoers were denied entry to Herefordshire's pubs.

"We will now only be allowing customers in with photo ID and proof of address, driving license or passport with utility bil" a spokesperson for The Barrels said. 

"We are happy in Tier 1 and would like to remain there. Sorry if this causes any disappointment but we need to protect our staff and customers.

"Please don’t be offended when we ask for proof of a HR postcode. The police have suggested that this is the way forward. We have to follow government guidelines and the police advice to try to keep our infection levels down and our pub open. These are the rules and we will follow them to keep our staff safe."

The popular Hereford pub was joined by The Spread Eagle in King Street, which said: "If you are not known to staff or management please don’t be offended if we ask for proof of address. This will be photo ID and proof of address. Driving license or passport with utility bill. If you can’t provide proof, unfortunately you will be refused entry

"We are wanting to stay in tier 1 so we will only be allowing Tier 1 customers into the pub

"Masks to be worn at all times unless seated, table service only, no table hopping."

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Homegrown burger restaurant, the Beefy Boys in Hereford's Old Market have also weighed in to remind out-of-county visitors of the rules.

"Just a reminder folks to please RESPECT YOUR TIER," the Beefy Boys said.
"Although Herefordshire is in tier 1, we know we have lots of awesome visitors from further afield. If you are visiting us over the next few days from a higher tier please be aware that we can only seat mixed households on an inside table if you are currently living in Herefordshire in tier 1.
"If you are visiting from a tier 2 area we will still be able to seat mixed households on an outside table.

"Please don’t be offended if we ask where you are travelling from or ask for proof of address, we’re just doing our best to keep you and ourselves as safe as possible, and Herefordshire in tier 1."

And it is not just food and drink businesses who have taken the decision.

Bewell Street tattoo and piercing parlour Body Mods said: "In light of the rise in cases and the reports of people flouting the rules, we have no choice other than to stop people entering the studio if you are from areas in lockdown. Unless we recognise you or you can prove you are from Herefordshire you will not be getting piercings or tattoos until restrictions are lifted.

"Unfortunately these are odd times we are in and if youre in lockdown theirs a reason for it. And I, as a business owner in the city centre want to keep myself, my family, staff and customers safe. I'm not saying everyone from lockdown areas have it, obviously not. But this isn't a time where we can take chances just to make a few quid. We really hope you adhere to our temporary rules and appreciate why we have put them in place.

"All the luck and love to everyone in those areas but please, please keep others safe by sticking to the rules. We look forward to welcoming you back."

Their messages come after West Mercia Police asked people not to come to Herefordshire for non-essential reasons. 

The force said people had been travelling to the county to drink in pubs, which due to tier one restrictions can serve alcohol without food.