Pubs in Thornbury and Yate remain closed today, while those just a few miles to the north are permitted to open for the first time in a month.

The new reality is a quirk of the new strengthened tier system, which came into force today (Wednesday) after being approved by MPs last night.

South Gloucestershire is in Tier 3, meaning pubs can only offer takeaway and delivery. In Tier 2 Gloucestershire pubs are allowed to open, although they can only serve alcohol with a substantial meal.

With the tier system to be reviewed in a fortnight's time, landlords in South Gloucestershire are now waiting to hear whether they will be allowed to open before Christmas.

"I guess we have seen this coming," said said Mark Wilson, who runs The Malthouse pub on Thornbury High Street with Julie Walker.

"The most disappointing thing is we went into lockdown in Tier 1 and are coming out in Tier 3 but I understand the reasons.

"The worry is what happens in the review on the 16th."

But South Gloucestershire being moved into Tier 2 would mean the Malthouse regulars and younger weekend crowd would need to be persuaded to buy a meal along with their drinks.

"The older generation have limited funds," said Mark.

"Their life is the pub. The main part is the socialisation. Are they going to eat? Unlikely.

"Are they going to want to add an extra £10 to their evening?

"It's quite difficult. We are not a food pub really.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow but you've got to draw the line somewhere.

"It would be great to be open but we would be running at a loss as we'd need extra members of staff.

"We don't get a lot of reasoning behind why they are doing this."

The Malthouse has already been dealt a blow with the announcement that the Berkeley Hunt's annual Boxing Day meet would take place behind close doors.

The event usually brings thousands of people to Thornbury High Street.

"Boxing Day is going to be a kick in the teeth. It's the biggest day of the year for us," said Mark

"Even if we go to Tier 2 it's going to be a real hard slog just to get through Christmas."

Pete Tiley, who runs The Butcher's Hook in Thornbury and The Salutation inn near Berkeley, has expressed similar concerns about Tier 2.

In a Facebook post he announced The Sally would not be reopening today, even though it is legally permitted to do so.

"It is not financially viable for us to open under these restrictions," he said.

"We’re pretty gutted especially having spent a lot of money on our marquee/outdoor seating and working our hardest to keep everyone safe whilst we were open," he said.

The Sally, along with many others pubs in the area, is continuing to offer takeaways while they wait to find out if restrictions will be relaxed before Christmas.