Some pub landlords had planned to open their doors as the clock struck midnight on July 4, but the new Government guidance says people cannot have their first pint until after sunrise. Despite reopening, all pubs and bars have to abide by safety measures, including social distancing, in a bid to prevent a second wave of COVID-19. Downing Street has confirmed that pubgoers will not be faced with a time limit on how long they can stay in each facility, which also includes restaurants.
Which pubs are reopening in my area?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the reopening of pubs, restaurants and cafes was the beginning of of the end of our “long national hibernation”.
Mr Johnson said: “Our principle is to trust the British public to use their common sense in the full knowledge of the risks – remembering that the more we open up, the more vigilant we need to be.”
According to Government advice, all pubs in England are allowed to reopen from today, July 4.
All pubs near you should be opening for indoor service from this date.
To be safe, check with your local by doing a quick search for their opening hours before heading down, to avoid disappointment.
Pubs must reopen in a “covid secure” way according to the Government, which will involve more hand washing and table service.
Customers will be encouraged to book online where possible, and will not be able to stand at the shared bar any more.
In addition, only two households can meet each other at any one time in the pub.
Are pubs reopening in Scotland?
Thousands of pubs and restaurants in Scotland were hoping to be able to reopen in June following the Scottish Government’s ‘route map’ out of lockdown, which was published in May.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on June 24 that outdoor hospitality, including beer gardens, would be allowed to reopen from July 6.
Scotland is expected to move into phase three of its lockdown exit strategy on July 9, after which more rules are expected to be relaxed.
From July 15, Ms Sturgeon confirmed that pubs and restaurants would be able to open their indoor spaces on a “limited basis”, adding that guidance would be provided “as soon as possible”.
Ms Sturgeon stressed that the two-metre rule in Scotland will not be changed for now, despite Mr Johnson announcing that England would move to a ‘one metre plus’ rule.
The First Minister said: “Business and individuals must continue to comply with the two metre social distancing rule”, adding that this would be reviewed in due course.
Scottish businesses will also be required to take names and contact details of customers and store them for four weeks in case of another rise in infections.
The First Minister said the Government will continue to support businesses as they prepare to reopen.