Jolly Roger pub offers to exchange a pint for four loo rolls as coronavirus leads to shortage of 'essentials'

As coronavirus has gripped the nation, toilet paper has been in short supply as people look to stock up in preparation for potential self-isolation. However, failure to provide basic sanitation needs would lead to the real threat of the Jolly Roger pub in Gosport having to close.

Landlady Hayley Hodd, 38, said: ‘We were really close to being out of toilet rolls and hand soap and would have had to close down – we can’t remain open without the essentials. None of our regular suppliers have any soap or antibacterial solution left.

‘If we had run out then the Environmental Health Office would have instructed us to close.’

Determined to remain open Hayley put a message out on Facebook offering a choice of ‘any free drink from behind the bar’ in return for four toilet rolls.

‘After putting the message out we received 36 toilet rolls in one afternoon. Some customers have also exchanged pump hand soap for a drink of their choice,’ said Hayley.

In what is a worrying period for the whole nation, Hayley hoped the message could also add a little light relief to the stress and anxiety being experienced.

‘It’s obviously a very serious situation but I hope this light-hearted message may have just brought a smile to people’s faces,’ she said.

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Like many public house proprietors the coronavirus pandemic has hit her business hard.

Hayley said: ‘The fact the government has recommended that people don’t visit pubs rather than announcing we must close has put us in a more difficult situation. If we make the decision to close then I will have to cover all the costs. For my insurance company to step in it would have to be a government-led decision.’

Hayley has said once they have sufficient stock then any additional toilet rolls will be donated to support groups to distribute to those in need.