A team of night marshals will patrol Leeds city centre this weekend as hundreds of bars, pubs and restaurants prepare to reopen after months in lockdown.
The government has given the go-ahead for the hospitality sector to get back on its feet from Saturday, July 4.
However, there are strict new rules in place for businesses, who must ensure they do everything within their power to maintain social distancing between customers.
Leeds City Council has announced that it will deploy a group of night marshals both this weekend and next weekend to check that premises are following government guidance.
West Yorkshire Police have also confirmed that extra officers will be stationed in the city centre to help manage the anticipated crowds.
Businesses have been advised to operate at reduced capacities and either run an online booking service or a first-come-first-served policy to limit numbers.
Table service is also suggested for all venues. No live band performances are allowed under any circumstances and music must be played at a lower volume so that customers do not have to shout.
Cllr Judith Blake, the leader of Leeds City Council, said: "We know many people are looking forward to venues reopening, but we would appeal to everyone to respect the rules to ensure venues can keep staff and customers safe.
"This is another important step in our city centre reopening and bringing its economy back to life.
"We are working closely with businesses and partners to do all we can to help the reopening run smoothly, but we need everyone to play their part to make it a success and keep everyone safe."
Other changes that people may notice when they return to the city centre this weekend include widened pavements, extra signs and hand sanitiser stations.
The council is also encouraging venues to apply for temporary street café licence applications, which would mean they would be able to serve customers outside. Applications will be dealt with on an individual basis, but the local authority is trying to fasttrack as many as possible where they are suitable.
More areas of the city centre may also become pedestrianised in the coming months to help pubs and bars serve customers in the street
Although the reopening of bars, pubs and restaurants will be a huge boost to the city's economy, police chiefs have expressed concerns that this weekend could be as busy as New Year's Eve.
Brian Booth, chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, has pleaded with people to not put extra pressures on the emergency services by becoming "drunken clowns".
He said: "It is known that alcohol lowers inhibitions and I truly hope the vast majority of public maintain their common sense, remembering we are still living under the cloud of Covid."
