A Congleton pub has been told its beer garden does not qualify as 'outside' under the coronavirus regulations.

DV8, on Little Street, Congleton, received a visit from the Congleton Beat Team and Cheshire East Council officials last night (Friday, 11 December).

The pub had been allowing groups of six people to sit in its enclosed outdoor area.

However, the pub's management team have been left "absolutely devastated" after police and council officials told them the area was deemed "too enclosed to allow households to mix".

This now means people from the same household or support bubble will have to prove they are not mixing to place a booking at the Little Street bar.

On a social media post, DV8 owner Steph Chaddock, said: "We've been informed that our outdoor area is not classed as an outdoor area as it's too enclosed.

"We've just received a visit from our local authorities [police and local council].

"We're absolutely devastated to hear that we're no longer allowed to accept customers from different households to sit in our outside area.

"Since we reopened on July 4 we have abided strictly by every single guideline given to us and feel that we have gone above and beyond to ensure our staff and customers safety. We are absolutely devastated to hear this news."

Customers from mixed households who had bookings for the outdoor area are now being asked to contact the bar as soon as possible.

The statement from the DV8 team added: "If you are visiting us from the same household then you must prove to us that you are from the same household.

"We have been advised by the police that we can accept driving licenses with the same address or passports with the same surname as proof that you are from the same household.

"We really didn't think things could get any harder but clearly that isn't the case."

Cheshire Police confirmed officers were patrolling the streets of Congleton last night (Friday, 11 December) carrying out coronavirus checks.

A Congleton Police spokesperson said: "Congleton Beat Team carried out a joint licensing operation with Cheshire East last night checking the licensed premises in Congleton Town Centre are complying with current regulations."

Cheshire East's pubs and restaurants have been allowed to reopen under Tier 2 restrictions as long as there is no household mixing indoors and they serve a 'substantial meal'.