Cornwall pub installs electric fence at the bar to ensure social distancing is observed

130720-Cornwall Pub electric fence-Cornwall Live
Staff at The Star Inn in St Just say "they have had enough" of people doing as they pleased and ignoring social-distancing guidelines. Credit: Cornwall Live

Managers of a popular pub in Cornwall have put up an electric fence at the bar - to ensure people maintain social distancing.

Pub bosses came up the idea after getting fed up with people ignoring the guidelines, so staff have put up a wired and charged electric fence at bar with a warning notice for customers.

Star Inn landlord Johnny McFadden confirmed that the fence has been placed there to shock locals into behaving.

"It's there for social-distancing," he said, speaking on a Sunday (12 July) afternoon where it was busy behind the bar. "Before the fence, people were not following social-distancing and were doing as they pleased, but now people take heed to the guidance around social distancing".

Johnny insists the fence is usually switched off - but warned: "It can be turned on".

A couple of drunken revellers claimed they were electrocuted by the fence on Saturday (11 July) night, after one too many pints.

Pictures of the unusual deterrent have been going viral on social media after hundreds of people shared Facebook posts at the weekend.

The Star Inn is a St Austell Brewery-owned venue described as "true gem, full of tradition, character and immense charm".