Cheers at pub plan

UK’s PM urges common sense over easing of lockdown rules

PUBS in England were given the go-ahead to reopen next week after more than three months of closure due to the coronavirus outbreak, in a move hailed by the industry.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement of the July 4 reopening as part of an easing of lockdown measures for hospitality, culture and tourism to help kickstart Britain’s stalled economy.

Politicians in parliament cheered Tuesday as he called time on the first countrywide closure of pubs since the Great Plague of 1665.

Calling the moves an end to the country’s “national hibernation”, Mr Johnson said there must be “minimum contact” between staff and customers, with table service only.

Regulars would also have to give contact details in case of any local outbreak. Mr Johnson said he expected people to apply common sense and not overdo it.

“We can’t have great writhing scenes in the beer gardens when the virus could be passed on,” he added.

The government has come under pressure over its handling of the COVID-19 crisis and its efforts to reopen the country, with fears of a deep recession because of the forced closure of businesses.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said the industry faced a “cliff edge”, with sales of beer falling to their lowest level on record in the first quarter of this year.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin called the reopening “the first step on what will be a very a long road to recovery”.

Ms McClarkin urged the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow suit.

Cinemas, museums and galleries will also reopen their doors on July 4, as well as restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation.

Shuttered barbers and hairdressers can also resume business from the same date.