Most pubs will stay shut after relaxation of curbs, say landlords

TWO thirds of pubs cannot reopen tomorrow because they do not have appropriate outside space to serve their customers safely, industry leaders have warned.

Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in England will be allowed to serve customers seated outdoors in what could usher in a European-style café culture. Despite reports of hundreds of establishments applying for outside drinking and dining licences, UK Hospitality said outlets that open might only make about a fifth of their usual sales.

Analysis shows that just 25,979 sites have outdoor space – 43 per cent of all those in England. This means just a quarter of high street bars and restaurants have outside space, rising to 46 per cent of suburban sites and 68 per cent of rural outlets. The outside areas in high street bars were “almost exclusive standing areas”.

Kate Nicholls, of UK Hospitality, said: “Fewer than two in five will even be able to open on Monday – the vast majority will remain closed without revenue for another five weeks. Just 22 per cent of the sector’s trading is likely to return, and that is weather dependent.

“So while it is great to be able to bring our teams back to work and welcome back family and friends to socialise safely, this is not sufficient to ensure the long-term viability of business and jobs.

“The Government needs to stick to the roadmap plan to lift social distancing restrictions from June 21.” Under the reopening, people will not need to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and there will be no 10pm curfew. However, customers must order, eat and drink while seated at a table.

Customers have to follow the rule of six or be in a group of any size with no more than two households present, as well as check into NHS Test and Trace.

The Government stressed that pubs and restaurants would be able to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas, using existing seating licences, while temporary changes to licensing laws would allow many more premises to sell takeaway drinks.

A Government spokesman added it needed to monitor the data and “take a cautious approach to reopening”.