One of the UK's biggest pub operators has decided against reopening its boozers today due to safety fears.
Greene King, which runs Hungry Horses, Chef and Brewers, Wacky Warehouses and other large brands, will instead conduct a phased reopening of its pubs and restaurants.
The first of its pubs and restaurants will reopen on Monday July 6, Yorkshire Live reports.
A spokeswoman for the company said: "We welcome the news that pubs, alongside other hospitality venues, can reopen from next month. Pubs play an important role at the very heart of their communities and have been sorely missed by customers as well as those who work in them.
"We look forward to welcoming back customers to our pubs and providing that great hospitable pub experience we all love."
Wetherspoon is set to reopen hundreds of its UK establishments on Saturday despite fierce debate.
But Greene King says it wants to ensure its restaurants have "safe socialising layouts".
The spokeswoman added: "Not all our pubs will be viable to open immediately, even with the reduction in social distancing guidance to one metre alongside additional measures, but we expect to open 1,294, over two-thirds of our managed estate in phase one. We are working on the re-opening date for the second phase and will confirm it as soon as we can.
"The safety of our team and customers is our top priority and we are confident the measures we are introducing outlined in our PUBSAFE promises will mean our pubs will operate safely for both customers and team members."
Customers can book tables using the Greene King website and phone app.
Measures will include table service, hosts to manage queues and rigorous cleaning.
Head to GreeneKing.co.uk to check which pubs are reopening near you from July 6.
