BEWILDERED boozer bosses are bemoaning barmy lockdown rules after seeing their pub kept closed by the tier system - while one next door is allowed to open.

A postcode quirk means neighbouring pubs Joe Joe Jims and The Old Hare and Hounds on Lickey Road, Rednal, fall into two different districts despite being only five metres apart.

Thus, while Joe Joe Jims falls inside the Bromsgrove Tier 2 rules and was able to reopen this week, The Old Hare and Hounds - classed as being in Tier 3 Birmingham - must stay shut.

That has not gone down well with brewery Mitchells & Butlers, who run the Ember Inns pub and feel they are being unfairly deprived of Christmas trade.

A Mitchells & Butlers spokesperson said: “This incidence highlights the frustration of ours, and many other publicans, where regional boundaries and the varying tiered restrictions are causing serious complications, confusion and distress for hospitality businesses across the country.

“The tightening of the tiers has felt like another kick in the teeth for an industry that has already borne the brunt of Covid regulations and restrictions.

"With all but one of our businesses in England operating under the highest restrictions, with hundreds not being able to open at all, the impact this is going to have during the vital Christmas trading period is going to be incredibly damaging.

“Since the end of the first lockdown we, and our amazing teams, have worked incredibly hard to make our businesses Covid-secure, adapting to a bewildering array of policy changes whilst trying to offer all our guests the excellent service they expect and deserve.”

While Joe Joe Jims has been allowed to open, it must comply with the Tier 2 rules of only serving alcohol to customers if they order a substantial meal.