Speaking to journalists following the company's results, Tim Martin admitted that 1,600 of his 43,000 staff are currently self-isolating as a result of the virus. But rather than close completely, he felt pubs should implement "social distancing" measures, like no standing at the bar. There's hardly been any transmission of the virus within pubs and I think it's over the top to shut them. In response Wetherspoon's said it was delaying "most capital projects" and cutting spending where possible. (Image: Getty Images)Downing Street declined to criticise Wetherspoons chairman and Conservative Party donor Tim Martin after he argued that pubs should stay open despite the coronavirus threat.

Source: Daily Mirror March 20, 2020 10:29 UTC