Bosses at Shepherd Neame have taken the decision to suspend all brewery tours over coronavirus concerns.

The Faversham-based business has also pulled the plug on upcoming shows, with all brewery tours scheduled to take place cancelled indefinitely.

The company says it is a "precautionary measure" and is offering customers to rebook or be given a refund.

A statement from the brewery giant reads: "As a responsible employer, Shepherd Neame takeS care to implement best practice to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

"As a precautionary measure, in light of the coronavirus situation, we are temporarily suspending brewery tours and postponing the comedy nights due to take place in The Old Brewery Store."

It has meant organisers of a new comedy show at the Old Brewery Store were forced to take the "difficult" decision to cancel the launch event.

Copter's Comedy Club was due to kick off a schedule of monthly live sessions on Friday (March 13) - but the event was scrapped last minute due to "the increasing risks of the coronavirus pandemic".

Club producer Helena Mannounch said: "The decision to cancel our upcoming events at the Old Brewery Store has been very difficult.

"I'm sure it will disappoint the many ticket holders who have the option of rebooking for a later date or receiving a refund.

"I hope everyone understands why it was felt better not to go ahead."

The line-up was due to include Jayde Adams of 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Hollyoaks star James Redmond.

The comedy club show which was supposed to take place on Friday, April 10 has also been cancelled, as well as the Jam Sandwich gig on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the committee at Arden Theatre have chosen to shut the venue for at least one month.

A statement reads: "The reasons are simple. We naturally hold the health of our audiences, users and volunteers above all else.

"We naturally fully understand that opinions towards the current national problem do vary.

"However, we are not in a position to accommodate all views - hence the closure.

"The committee will continue to work in the background to be sure that when we return to normal the transition is smooth."

The Alexander Centre, however, is continuing to operate as normal.

General manager Ali Fellows says this may change, dependent on government advice.

She said: "Our directors and I are, of course, in constant communication at the moment about the coronavirus.

"We are currently following government advice, which is to not cancel events, so we are opening as normal, but we are aware that the situation is changing daily, so are poised to change plans if circumstances change."

Brogdale Collections has been approached for comment on whether events and orchard tours will be cancelled.

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