BOSSES of a family-friendly pub will follow a self-imposed curfew for as long as punters have to drink outside out of respect to their neighbours 

The Crown, in High Street, Manningtree, will reopen its doors on April 12 in line with the easing of the Government’s lockdown restrictions.

Groups of up to six people or two households will be able to meet at the popular watering hole but will have to use the outdoor seating and table area. 

Table hopping will not be permitted, and guests will be asked to remain seated at all times unless they need to access the toilet. 

Although there will no longer be a curfew in place for pubs and hospitality businesses, The Crown will close at 10pm from Sunday to Thursday.

The establishment will however stay open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, on which there will continue to be a takeaway delivery service between 5pm and 8.30pm. 

The decision to implement a self-imposed closing time has been made in a bid to keep disruption to people leaving near the riverside pub to a minimum.

It is understood the early last orders call will remain in place until punters are once again allowed to drink and eat within hospitality environments from next month. 

A spokesman for The Crown said: “Whilst we are over the moon there is no longer a curfew, we respect we have neighbours.

“Whilst it is outside areas only we have made the decision to close at these times.

"It is also now a legal requirement for every single member of the public over the age of 16 who is visiting The Crown to sign in using the NHS track and trace app.

"We are unfortunately unable to serve anyone who does not or cannot leave their details.

"We are doing our absolute best by following the Government guidelines, restrictions and laws to ensure the pub is able to stay open."

To find out more visit facebook.com/TheCrownAtManningtree.