Last night Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out the government’s plan for when lockdown restrictions could be lifted across the UK, including when pubs, bars and restaurants may be able to reopen.
Today, the government released a 50-page document outlining its plans and changes to lockdown restrictions.
It has always been thought that hospitality businesses like pubs and restaurants will be the last to reopen, because it is feared the virus can spread more in those settings.
Despite this, many hoped that bars and restaurants would be able to open sooner rather than later.
On Step 3 of the government’s new plan, the PM said: “And step three - at the earliest by July - and subject to all these conditions and further scientific advice; if and only if the numbers support it, we will hope to re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, provided they are safe and enforce social distancing.”
The new document, titled OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy, outlines just what lies ahead of the hospitality industry, including bars, restaurants, pubs and shops.
What does it mean for bars, restaurants and pubs in Liverpool?
Throughout lockdown Liverpool’s bars and restaurants have shown their versatility and strength as they nativage the changes thrown at them, having adapted to offer delivery, join together to help each other and even transform into completely new businesses.
The document says that from July 4 - at the earliest and providing that there is no second peak of the virus - some businesses could open.
This includes pubs, restaurants, hotels, hairdressers, beauty salons and cinemas.
Does this mean all pubs and restaurants will reopen?
Unfortunately not, as the document goes on to say that venues which are crowded by design and where it is difficult to operate social distancing may still not be able to open or may only be able to partially reopen.
The document states: “Nevertheless the government will wish to open as many businesses and public places as the data and information at the time allows.”
When will high street stores reopen?
According to the document, all non-essential retail will begin to reopen June 1 at the earliest.
While there has been no confirmation as to which stores will open first, non-essential stores will include department stores such as John Lewis and Debenhams.
