Rules drinkers and bars have to follow on Government road map out of lockdown

PUBS across England are preparing to reopen in April in line with the Government’s road map out of lockdown.

Boris Johnson’s plan for gradually easing the restrictions that were imposed in January will mean that pubs and bars are set to welcome customers again from April 12, subject to a review of the data on April 5.

But they will only be able to serve people outdoors.

That means beer gardens, pub and restaurant terraces and rooftop bars will be permitted to open up for the first time in months.

Venues are also allowed to turn their car parks into makeshift outdoor seating spaces so they can get the drinks and cash flowing once again.

There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew – although customers must order, eat and drink while seated.

Any visits to a pub or restaurant will have to follow guidance on social contact. That means customers can attend in groups of either six people or two households, which the Government says will provide “greater flexibility for families to see each other.”

These changes to the numbers permitted in outdoor gatherings are set to come into effect on March 29 and will apply to any outside space including private gardens.

Indoor bar areas will remain closed until we reach step 3 of the road map, which is no earlier than May 17.

The Government guidance reads: “Step 2, which will be no earlier

than 12 April, will see the opening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres.

“Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups), as will most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas.

“Hospitality venues will be

allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2 and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew.

“Although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.”

Wetherspoons says it is set to open beer gardens, rooftop gardens and patios at 394 of its pubs in England from April 12.