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An entertainment venue in Kent has admitted it was a mistake to confiscate hand sanitiser from revellers ahead of a music gig.
The sough-after gels - in short supply amid the coronavirus outbreak - were seized by security teams at Margate Winter Gardens as part of a no-liquid policy.
But the move left ticket holders stunned as they arrived to see indie rock band Blossoms in concert on Sunday.
Bosses initially said they were following guidance from Public Health England, but have since said they will allow sanitisers into events.
A spokesman for Your Leisure, which runs the venue, said: "Our external security provider and their team members were acting on our previous/regular health and safety policy to remove all liquids from attendees of standing concerts.
"This specific issue was brought to our attention on the night and the management team at Margate Winter Gardens ensured that the external security team ceased the removal of hand gels/sanitisers.
"The external contractors are now aware of our updated general policies and procedures and hand gels/sanitisers are exempt from the policy governing bringing liquids into the venue."
Bosses say venues are currently open as usual but that they are monitoring the situation in regards to COVID-19.
The spokesman said: "Your Leisure, including Margate Winter Gardens and Theatre Royal Margate, is following ongoing guidance from Public Health England (PHE).
"The corporate management team has issued a comprehensive guide to coronavirus to ensure that all our facilities are fully briefed on the facts and current guidance and have precautionary measures in place, such as the installation of hand sanitiser stations, PHE signage, and decontamination protocols.
"As a venue operator, we are aware of measures being taken in other countries with severe outbreaks.
"Currently, our venues are open as usual and performances are going ahead as scheduled, in line with current PHE guidance.
"However, we are monitoring the situation closely and taking advice from PHE, as well as our partners at Thanet District Council and Dover District Council.
"As new guidance is issued, Your Leisure will take the required action. Should government advice change, our venues will be in contact with customers directly.
"We trust that individuals are also following the advice and guidance, and we do remind visitors to carry tissues with them and to wash their hands regularly as per government guidelines and use small bottles of hand sanitiser if they so wish.
"During their visit, our staff will be on hand to guide people to bins to dispose of tissues or to toilets to wash their hands or to sanitiser stations."
