A PUB has installed an electric fence along its bar to ensure its customers adhere to social distancing.

The Star Inn in St. Just, Cornwall, put up the fence to stop people from getting too close to its staff.

The shocking measure was taken when customers failed to obey social distancing advice when the pub reopened.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants in England were allowed to open their doors from July 4 after the government eased its coronavirus lockdown.

A picture taken inside the Star Inn and posted on social media Sunday showed two strands of wire running across the front of the bar.

An accompanying sign reads: “Warning. Electric fence.”

The pub’s landlord Johnny McFadden told Cornwall Live: “It’s there for social distancing.

“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.

“It’s for everybody’s benefit.”

He said the electric fence is normally switched off but warned that it can be turned on.

Cornwall Live reported that some customers claimed they were electrocuted by the fence Saturday evening.

McFadden, who is also a farmer, got the equipment, normally used to keep cattle in fields, from his own farm.

He then installed it in the bar to keep customers a safe distance from those serving drinks.

Joel Carne-Mead, a barman at the pub, said: “We put it up as a bit of a novelty really. It’s a way of keeping people away from the bar. It’s just a deterrent, but hopefully the sight of it will help keep people away.

“That’s how it works with cattle too, animals see it and often don’t want to test it.

“Let’s hope it’s the same with our customers.

“We’re open again now and we’ve had no issues so far, it’s nice to be back.”

Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said: “This is the first time we’ve heard of a pub taking this approach — which we hope is a tongue-in-cheek approach to reminding customers about their responsibilities to use pubs safely.

“It’s been pleasing to see that the vast majority of pub customers have been sensible when returning to their locals and helped licensees operate safely.” (SD-Agencies)