A popular JD Wetherspoon pub in Newton Abbot was forced to close its doors unexpectedly on Boxing Day following an incident involving a customer.
Sudden Closure at The Richard Hopkins
The Richard Hopkins pub on Queen Street in Newton Abbot was shut to the public shortly before 1pm on Thursday, 26 December 2025. According to reports from local patrons, staff asked everyone to leave the premises. One social media user stated that staff "kicked everyone out," indicating the closure was immediate and unplanned.
Details of the Customer Incident
While specific details of the event remain unclear, it is understood the closure was prompted by an incident inside the venue involving a customer. Unverified claims on social media suggested a customer may have sustained an injury during the incident. The management acted swiftly to close the pub to deal with the situation.
Pub Reopens After Brief Closure
A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon confirmed the establishment reopened at 5.30pm on the same day. In a statement, the spokesperson said: "There was an incident in the pub involving a customer." The prompt action allowed the popular chain pub to resume normal service within a few hours, minimising disruption on a key trading day during the festive period.
The sudden shutdown and swift reopening of The Richard Hopkins highlight the protocols in place for managing unforeseen events in licensed premises. The pub is a well-known fixture in the Newton Abbot community, making the brief closure a notable event for local residents.
