The shape of drinks to come, as pubs prepare
‘More people will eat and drink outside’
Pub-goers may be in for a more “continental” style night out in Scarborough this summer.
Chairman of the town’s Pubwatch Tony Snow says when pubs, restaurants and bars are finally allowed to re-open, he expects more people will be eating and drinking outside.
“Going out in Scarborough this summer will be very different to how it’s ever been before,” he said.
“It will be more continental. It will be more acceptable to eat outside and sit on a bench and have a drink.
“That might have been frowned upon before but it will become more acceptable.
“There won’t be as many people inside pubs because a fear of crowds is going to be an issue.”
Mr Snow, who is licensee at The Courtyard, in Vernon Road, also warned there may be some businesses that do not consider it worth re-opening at first, even if they are given permission.
“A few places won’t even bother opening,” he said.
“If they rely on a busy Saturday night or they are a music venue then it might be better for them to remain closed.”
Last month pub chain Wetherspoons, which owns The Lord Rosebery in Westborough, announced it had devised a host of measures including perspex screens and increased cleaning for when pubs are allowed to re-open.
Although cash will be accepted, customers will be asked to use the chain’s order and pay app, or pay at the bar using a credit or debit card and contactless.
Mr Snow said most landlords he had spoken to are waiting until they have more information about when they can trade again and what circumstances they will be opening under before they make those kinds of decisions.
“By July, the restrictions might be more relaxed,” he said. “We don’t know at the moment.
“The Government hasn’t given out instructions concerning what we should do.
“Businesses are just having to use their common sense.”