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The new rules for shops, pubs and holidays

Shops

Non-essential retail shops are allowed to open from today.

That includes clothing stores, charity shops, homeware retailers, showrooms, travel agents, car washes, florists, electrical goods shops and bookmakers.

Social distancing rules remain, meaning the Government advises face masks are worn inside stores. Shops may also limit how many people can enter at one time.

Outdoor dining

clubs, including members’ clubs, will all be able to serve outside from today. Takeaway alcohol can be sold.

There is no 10pm curfew as there had been last year. Nor will pubs and bars be forced to serve food with alcohol, ending the so-called ‘Scotch egg rule’ adopted last year.

Staycations

From today a household is able to spend nights away from their home – something which has been barred throughout 2021. But there are restrictions on how this can be done.

“Selfcontained holiday accommodation” can reopen and be rented. This is defined as when “all facilities… are restricted to exclusive use of a single household/ support bubble”.

You cannot rent such a space with another household or invite other people inside. Indoor mixing for social purposes remains barred and will return at the earliest on May 17.

Haircuts

Hair, beauty and nail salons are allowed to open. Spas and massage centres can, too, though steam rooms and saunas stay shut.

Outdoor attractions

Zoos, fairgrounds, adventure parks, water parks, skating rinks, outdoor theatrical performances and drive-in cinemas can all open as well.

Public buildings such as community centres and libraries can open their doors again. So too can museums and galleries.