A SEAFRONT pub has temporarily closed its doors after a manager repeatedly allowed punters to break Covid-19 rules.

Southend Council bosses warned bosses at the Falcon pub, on Marine Parade, on multiple occasions over rule breaches before issuing a prohibition notice to the manager.

The Echo understands the manager of the pub had failed to deal with drinkers consistently failing to wear masks.

Rules state face coverings must be warn when punters are not seated.

After the manager of the pub was issued the prohibition notice, Southend Council confirmed that Greene King “decided to close until they hire a new manager”.

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Martin Terry, councillor in charge of public protection, said: “Since the hospitality sector reopened earlier this year, we received a number of reports of breaches of Covid regulations at the Falcon Pub.

“This followed repeated efforts from council officers looking to work with the manager to prevent further action taking place.

“However, as the issues continued, we took the necessary action to serve a prohibition notice on the manager of the site.”

Greene King has been unable to confirm how long the pub is expected to remain closed for.

Mr Terry added: “Greene King have cooperated fully with the council on this matter, and they have informed us they have closed for the time being until a new manager is appointed to manage the site.”

The council denied issuing a £10,000 fine to the pub, which will now remain closed until a new manager is appointed.

Council chiefs were unable to disclose how many breaches had occurred, but “received a number of complaints over a short period of time.”

As part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, all Covid rules will ease on June 21.

However ministers are debating delaying “freedom”, or continuing mask wearing in certain venues.

Greene King was contacted for comment but failed to respond before the Echo went to print.