Pub bosses install ELECTRIC FENCE at the bar to keep punters socially distanced

An electric fence has been installed at a popular pub in Cornwall to ensure punters are socially distanced from staff while ordering drinks.

Staff at The Star Inn in St Just have had enough of people doing as they pleased and ignoring social-distancing guidelines.

The staff put up a polite warning notice on the bar and a fully wired and charged electric fence.

Pub bosses came up with the way of making sure punters leave a gap between themselves and staff after getting fed up with people ignoring the guidelines.

Star Inn landlord Johnny McFadden confirmed the fence had been placed there to shock locals into behaving.

‘It’s there for social-distancing,’ he said, speaking on a Sunday afternoon where it was busy behind the bar.

‘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.’

A couple of drunken revellers claimed they were electrocuted by the fence on Saturday night.

Johnny insists the fence is usually switched off – but warned: ‘It can be turned on’.

Pictures of the unusual deterrent have been going viral on social media after hundreds of people shared Facebook posts at the weekend.

One image, shared by local radio presenter Neill Maguire, has been shared more than 500 times, with some people saying it’s the ‘best thing’ they’d seen for a long time.

The Star Inn is a St Austell Brewery-owned venue described as ‘true gem, full of tradition, character and immense charm’.

Its website says ‘a friendly welcome [is] assured’ but has not been updated to make mention of the electric fence.