A Belfast publican has been forced to suspend his service of pulling pints onpeople's doorsteps after the PSNI said it breached licencing legislation.

Hatfield House has been operating a Guinness-on-wheels service which it said was proving hugely popular during the coronavirus lockdown.

Mobile bar staff had been pouring drinks out of refitted vans into plasticglasses while wearing latex gloves.

Beers were then left on the doorstep with no contact with customers.

However, in a post on Facebook, the owners of the pub have said the PSNI attempted to shut down their pint delivery service.

Before commencing this service, we carried out a detailed risk assessment of our operations to ensure the safety of our staff, their families and ultimately you, the customer and to ensure that the home delivery service we are providing is in total compliance with all relevant health and safety and licensing legislation. Our lawyers have advised us that we are in strict compliance with all relevant current legislation. Hatfield House

A spokesperson for the pub said on the social media account that staff had been "followed by unmarked police cars" on Saturday.

"Yesterday, four of our staff were followed by two unmarked PSNI cars for over 45 minutes," the post read.

"The health and wellbeing of our staff is too important to us and, ata time when our staff are stressed and worried about a number of issues, wecannot allow the PSNI to add to this.

"So, for the minute, the Guinness delivery service is on pause until we canguarantee to our staff that they will not be subjected to harassment andperceived intimidation such as what they were put through yesterday."

Hatfield House says it took steps to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Credit: PA

The hospitality sector has been particularly struggling amid the Covid-19 outbreak, with pubs and restaurants having been closed for weeks now due to the restrictions imposed.

Some restaurants have been able to adapt by offering delivery services as they try to survive.

According to the Hatfield House, the development regarding their pint delivery service means four drivers are no longer required.

"But we won't be letting anyone go as this venture was never about money, it was about jobs for our staff and smiles for our customers," the spokesperson added.

The post claims that the PSNI has been asked to "outline which relevant piece of legislation we are alleged to have breached", adding: "But to date they haven't been able to do this."

The pub's spokesperson has also said they will take the matter to court if they have to "because we firmly believe we are on the right side of the law".

The PSNI has been asked for comment.

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