OPENING TIME!
HUGE QUEUES AS PUB OPENS IN COVENTRY AT ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT AND RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, GYMS AND LEISURE CENTRES ARE BACK
THIS was the scene at The Oak in Coventry as it opened its doors to thirsty punters at midnight for their first pub drink in many months.
The pub announced earlier this week that when the clock struck 12.01am and April 12 began, it would be welcoming customers to sit outside - and the offer was certainly taken up.
Lines of people could be seen queuing up outside the pub in Gosford Street in the run-up to midnight in order to get that first pint, glass of wine or whatever their beverage of choice was as soon as possible when the latest lockdown rules lifted.
Yesterday was a big day for many with pubs and restaurants able to serve customers sitting outside, while non-essential shops, gyms and leisure centres can also reopen as the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown continues. The photos show that many were certainly ready to make the most of the latest easing of rules as soon as they came in.
About 40 per cent of the nation’s boozers are due to start serving customers again for the first time this year.
In the first week of being allowed back into beer gardens, Brits are expected to guzzle 15 million pints, while half the adult population are planning to dash to a pub or restaurant when the rules are lifted. As well as independent locals, big chains have been rushing to get their gardens and terraces ready for the grand reopening.
Marston’s was set to open 696 beer gardens, Wetherspoons 396, Young’s 140 and Greene King 442.
As of yesterday only outdoor areas such as patios and beer gardens are able to open while indoor spaces are shut until at least May 17.
Every customer aged 16 and over will have to check in to NHS test and trace before entering a venue, or give their contact details to staff.
Only groups of up to six people can meet at the pub and there will be no strict 10pm curfew enforced.
Social distancing will also need to be maintained, so punters can expect one-way systems and staggered queues before visiting toilets or getting to your table.
...and shoppers also came out in force