Pub bosses were forced to shut early on their first day of re-opening after boozers continued to flout distancing guidelines.

The team at The Jolly Friar, Whitmore Way, Basildon, took to their social media to apologise for shutting early on Super Saturday- the first day back in what has been months for the industry due to Covid-19.

It comes after a small minority couldn't stick to guidelines, put in place to make visitors and staff safe.

On Sunday, the following day, the pub re-opened as normal.

A spokesperson from the pub, said: "I’m really sorry that we had to close early but the guidelines are there to keep everyone safe and unfortunately a small minority could not do it.

"We go again tomorrow everyone.

"My staff and customers safety is paramount."