We’ll drink to that... town is back open for business
Shops and non-essential retail opened for business this week for the first time since lockdown.
Locals flooded Hamilton’s high street as Primark reopened on Monday, which saw a queue of people waiting in the pouring rain to enter the store.
The First Minister has urged caution to local shoppers. Meanwhile, pubs are set to open beer gardens next Monday with Hamilton’s Bar Zero being overloaded with booking requests.
One of the first pubs in Hamilton to announce plans for reopening has been inundated with messages for bookings.
Bar Zero posted a photograph last week of their beer garden set to open on July 6 following lockdown restrictions being lifted for outdoor hospitality.
And punters can now book their spot.
Staff have been busy setting up to welcome back customers and could host up to 120 people at a time with social distancing in place.
Customers can book online through Facebook and checks will be made to ensure they know who is coming to the pub.
The Hamilton boozer posted on Facebook: “Woohoo! We will be opening our beer garden on Monday, July 6. Plenty of room to sit and enjoy a nice cold pint or cocktail. Social distancing rules apply.”
However, after they were flooded with messages, they have asked drinkers to stay tuned for follow-up announcements regarding further details on how to book a table where deposits can be made to secure their spot.
Rebecca Laughlin, owner of Bar Zero, is looking forward to welcoming back customers and is urging everyone to stay safe while things get back to normal.
She said: “It’s been a long journey and now we seem to be seeing the end of the tunnel, but we’re not out the tunnel. So we’re asking customers to stay wary as we try to make sure everything is plain sailing.
“We’ve got strict measures in for toilet facilities and waiting service and there will be zero tolerance for anyone breaching this, so we need people to stay safe and be cautious.”
Bar Zero intends to operate normal hours once it reopens and indoor facilities will be available from July 15, with PPE equipment in place at the bar and between booths.
They are also looking at introducing a fogging machine to keep customers safe once open.
Another Hamilton pub set to open outdoor drinking is Mrs Millsy’s on Townhead Street.
They will have tables available with strict social distancing and aim to provide outdoor entertainment when they open up on July 6.