When will pubs open up again as Government considers re-opening some restaurants?
Will you be able to enjoy a pint again soon?
The Government has been gradually unveiling its plans for phase two of lifting the UK’s coronavirus lockdown, with Boris Johnson outlining some proposed measures yesterday.
The moves announced include the re-opening of outdoor markets and car showrooms from 1 June, with non-essential retail to follow on 15 June.
There is also speculation that restaurants and cafes could be allowed to re-open soon with outdoor seating, following suggestions that Covid-19 spreads less easily outdoors.
But when could we see the return of pubs?
When will pubs open up again?
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No firm date has been given for the re-opening of pubs yet – although it’s possible that they could be opening their doors once again some time in July.
In his address to the nation on Sunday 10 May Boris Johnson announced that some parts of the hospitality industry – which could include pubs – could potentially re-open no earlier than 4 July, as part of the final phase of lifting the lockdown.
Speaking the day after the address Dominic Raab told Sky News: ‘From the earliest, June 1, we’ll look at non-essential retail and how they can go back, only if the conditions are met, subject to wider monitoring, so that we only proceed in a sure-footed way.
‘Then from July 4, at the earliest, subject to the conditions, we’ll look at other sectors, and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care, and people like hairdressers.’
So you’ll have to wait a little bit longer for that pint – but with the weather having warmed up in recent weeks, some pubs have been taking the initiative to offer takeaway outdoor drinks as more people venture outside.
When pubs do return, they could well be very different from before, with measures put in place to try and prevent a deadly second wave of Covid-19.
According to reports the new guidelines could include restrictions on customers remaining at the bar after ordering, tape on the floor showing the appropriate distance to remain from other customers, and pub gardens patrolled to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.
Other measures could see children’s play areas axed, patrols of smoking areas, no salt and pepper shakers on tables and condiments provided only on request in individually wrapped sachets.
Customers could also be discouraged to keep their distance from bar staff when ordering drinks, and potentially collect their order at a separate pick up point.
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