The Mail on Sunday

‘No plans’ for booze-free pubs

- By Anna Mikhailova DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

THERE are no plans to allow pubs to reopen in April if they agree not to sell alcohol, the Government said last night.

Yesterday it was claimed that a temporary ‘booze ban’ is being considered as part of a roadmap for lifting lockdown.

But responding to the reports, a senior Government source said: ‘We are not going to open pubs that can’t sell booze. What would be the point of that?’ It is understood the plan to restrict alcohol sales was proposed to allay concerns over the effect of drink on social distancing, the Daily Telegraph reported. Boris Johnson said he aims to unveil ‘the beginnings of our roadmap’ out of lockdown on February 22.

A Government source last night said it is planning a ‘ rolling restart’ of the economy, starting with schools and outdoor activities. Pubs are expected to be allowed to reopen in May.

The source said: ‘It will be golf clubs first, nightclubs last.’

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