A pub landlord has moved to reassure drinkers it's safe to visit pubs this weekend after police warned people to stay away.
Chief constable Andy Marsh urged residents not to descend on the city centre or other high streets because it will not be “business as usual”.
Lockdown rules are being eased even further on Saturday (July 4) when pubs and cafes will be allowed to open for the first time in more than three months.
Stephen Wallace, who runs Three Tuns, Golden Guinea and The Rising Sun, says people are safer drinking in pubs than on Bristol's streets - and his boozers have already had lots of bookings.
New rules have been introduced at his venues including a reduced capacity and a service allowing people to order drinks on their phone.
"It's got to the point where we need customers to survive - that's how it is," said Stephen. "We need to be able to serve alcohol and food to people coming to sit at our tables."
His venues will be running at 50 per cent capacity with the one-metre plus rule being enforced.
"It's going to be safer than people going to Millennium Square to drink, " said Stephen. "We have a controlled amount of sitting.
"We don't tend to have young people or big groups coming in."
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When talking about his businesses' future, Stephen said there is still a lot of uncertainty.
"If we can make it to Christmas without a second lockdown and have a good Christmas we should be alright," said Stephen. "The government's been great with grants and we don't have to pay business rates until 2021 so we've had some assistance.
"I don't think anyone in the hospitality industry feels safe at the moment."
What did police say
Speaking to police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens during a Facebook Live on Tuesday (June 30), Mr Marsh said extra officers would be on patrol to maintain public order.
He said: “It is not going to be a return to business as usual in our nighttime economy because the guidance places a requirement on licensees, business holders and customers to take certain steps to make sure they minimise the risk of becoming ill or transmitting the virus.
“We certainly hope it won’t be a return to normal.
“Without doubt the guidance won’t allow the businesses to operate at that capacity.
“We are moving into what we think will be a very high demand this weekend.
“I would say don’t come into the city centre and your town centres speculatively hoping to pop into a pub, stand at the bar and have a pint.
“It will not work like that.
“If you plan on coming out, take steps to check where you are going to go, check they will accommodate you and know how you're going to get to and from there, managing your own personal safety.
“It is also a busy weekend for us because, although it’s being played behind closed doors, Bristol City will be hosting Cardiff City at 3pm on Saturday.
“I would urge any supporters of either side, don't come to Bristol city centre expecting to have a drink.
“That’s not the place to enjoy the match.”
