PM PLEA AS DRINKERS HIT THE BAR

MILLIONS of people will head down the pub today for a well-deserved drink after more than 100 days without a proper pint.

Super Saturday is finally upon us, with boozers across England allowed to open their doors at 6am.

Thirsty punters will descend on their local to enjoy their favourite tipple after months in lockdown.

PM Boris Johnson urged the public not to “blow it now” and said he hoped people enjoy themselves, but in a “safe way”.

It offers the perfect tonic to lift the nation’s spirits – although it will be a bit different to what drinkers are used to. Landlords have been racing to make their pubs Covid-secure in time to welcome people back safely.

David Cunningham, of campaign group Long Live The Local, said: “Publicans up and down the country are determined to give their customers a warm welcome back and are investing a lot of time and energy to re-open safely.

“Some things may be a little different but all the great things we have missed so much in lockdown – a fresh pint, great food and community – will be the same.”

Publican James Lyon-shaw from The Greene Oak in Berkshire said: “Even though the new measures will take some time to get used to, the heart of our pub will still be the focus. We want customers to feel comfortable and to keep coming back!”

Drinkers are expected to blow £210million this weekend, while a third of adults plan to visit a pub in the next week.

Industry bosses are urging people to go for a pint to help save their local, with 18,000 at risk of closure. Emma Mcclarkin from the British Beer and

Pub Association said: “This weekend is only the first step in a long road to recovery.”