With the latest coronavirus restriction coming into force on Monday, businesses in and around Salisbury are playing their part in making sure people stick to the new rule banning social gatherings of more than six people.

The Wig and Quill, on New Street, is among the restaurants still offering 50 per cent off food and soft drinks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, following the success of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Manager Mark Stokes says it’s “business as usual” - however, as of Monday, tables larger than six are no longer allowed.

He said: “Within reason I will try to accommodate large groups by offering them completely separate tables not next to each other. I will do my utmost to stand by the new guidelines so people will be asked to make two different bookings and sit separately so that they can’t mix and mingle.”

In pubs, parties larger than six will also be sat at different tables.

Commenting on the latest restriction, Wendy Wooller, the new owner of the Swan at Stoford said: “It is what it is, we just need to follow it and hope for the best. 

“None of us want it but there’s nothing we can do, we’re all in the same boat.”

Although the new law came in just three days after the pub reopened, Wendy says she feels “positive” going forward, “as long as people will support us which for now they seem to do”.

Asked whether she is worried about a potential second lockdown, the 50-year-old said: “I don’t think it will happen again, we might get it in particular areas but not a complete lockdown, I don’t think. Even if we do, we just have to get on with it as best we can.”

Is your business affected by the rule of six? Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk