A pub in West Bay will not be taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to ensure it does not have a negative impact on businesses which do not qualify for the scheme.

The landlady of the George in West Bay has decided to opt out of the scheme in order, as she is concerned that local fish and chip kiosks are not priced out by the low prices that the initiative has brought about.

Karen Phillips, the landlady at the George, said: “West Bay is a beautiful village and we are all in this together.

“How could I possibly serve fish and chips with peas on a plate with cutlery for a fiver when a kiosk would probably charge £8.

“We are all struggling to take enough money to get through the winter.”

The government initiative was introduced to encourage members of the public to eat out in bars, pubs and restaurants following the lockdown period. From Monday to Wednesday throughout August, venues taking part in the scheme offer customers food at half its usual price.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage people to eat out, so places only offering takeaway food, such as the kiosks in West Bay, are not included in the scheme.

Ms Phillips continued: “I believe it is a brilliant scheme for all the restaurants in Bridport that have had such a down turn in their business.

“If this had been offered in the winter when kiosks were closed I would have grabbed it. It is a great scheme and a great idea, however it is the wrong time and place for us."