Bars and restaurants across England will reopen their doors for indoor hospitality today after weeks of alfresco dining.
Today sees the country enter Step 3 of the Government's roadmap , with cinemas, museums, theatres and more reopening after lockdown.
England passed the four tests in place to ease lockdown restrictions to the next level, which include the success of the vaccine roll out, evidence of vaccine efficacy, new variants and infection rates, Boris Johnson confirmed last week.
This means that from today the country will gain some more 'normality' as restrictions ease further - and we can sit inside at our favourite pubs and restaurants again.
However, there are still a number of rules and restrictions in place and visitors are expected to follow them.
So what are the rules? Here's everything you need to know for visiting pubs and restaurants from today:
Can you meet friends at the pub?
Yes, but there's a limit. While bars and restaurants can reopen indoors, the rule of six remains in place.
The only time you will be able to visit hospitality venues in a group larger than six people is if you are from only two households.
Support bubbles are expected to still count as a single household.
Is there a curfew and do you have to eat?
The 10pm curfew which was enforced following England's second national lockdown has been changed and there is now no time constraints placed on venues.
The heavily criticised 'substantial meal' rule from last year has also been scrapped.
There will be no need for alcohol to be accompanied by a 'substantial meal' when you visit.
Will beer gardens rules change?
Yes, from today the rule of six will be scrapped outdoors, which means people will be allowed to meet in groups of up to 30 out in the fresh air.
Can I order at the bar?
Unfortunately not. Pubs and restaurants must continue with table service, and customers will still need to order, eat and drink while seated.
Do you need a face mask?
Yes, face mask rules remain in place, with customers expected to wear face coverings when moving around a pub or restaurant.
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Do you need to provide contact details?
Yes, every individual person over 16 years of age must check in on the NHS app, or leave their contact details for test and trace. This rule has been in place since venues reopened outside on April 12.
What other rules will be in place?
One-way systems will be in place at most venues, as well as other social distancing measures.
These include larger spacing between tables or mitigating measures such as screens in place.
