Two popular Hastings’ pubs have shut their doors after customers tested positive for Coronavirus.

UPDATE This evening a third bar, The Owl and Pussycat Lounge, in Robertson Street also announced that it has temporarily closed as a result of a customer having tested positive for Covid-19

Bat and Bee in Robertson Street and The Dragon Bar in George Street have closed until further notice while deep cleaning of the premises and testing of staff takes place.

The bars will also be using the track and trace system to notify customers – using the contact details they have provided – of what has happened.

In a statement on its website Bat and Bee said: “Due to news of a regular who has tested positive for Covid-19, we have taken the decision to close our bar.

“The safety of our staff and customers is of paramount concern, therefore we will be deep cleaning the bar and ensuring that our staff are tested for the virus. We will reopen when we’re all in the clear.”

Patrick Piggott, owner of Dragon Bar in George Street is reported as saying that although the customer at the centre of the incident had only visited the bar briefly he wanted to take an ‘over-cautious’ approach.

He is quoted as saying: “I have just taken a precaution to close the place and get all the staff tested.

“I would rather this than somebody get seriously ill.”

All surfaces in the bar have been disinfected and the bar has had safety measures in place since reopening after lockdown.

Patrick said: “We have got track and trace in place. We have been in touch with the last two week’s [worth of customers].

“Since day one we have had social distancing in place. We have done everything we can. I have spoken to all the relevant authorities.”

Patrick added that the bar will reopen ‘as soon as it is safe’.