Pubs in England could be allowed to open again on June 22, it is claimed, as ministers battle to save millions of jobs.
The hospitality trade was originally scheduled to stay shut until July, but industry chiefs have warned that up to 3.5million workers face redundancy if the government doesn't act fast.
If they do reopen in two weeks, boozers will have to serve drinks outside as social distancing rules will remain in place.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reputed to be among a group of ministers calling themselves the "save summer six" hoping to get pubs, bars and restaurants open this month.
Despite warnings from scientists about lifting the lockdown too fast, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is believed to be worried about the economy "falling off a cliff".
The government has not committed to a date for pubs to reopen, but Whitehall insiders told the Financial Times that June 22 is the target date.
Pub and restaurant owners also warn that the current two-metre distancing rule will make it unviable for many businesses to reopen.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma is reportedly set to argue that this can safely be halved in order to help struggling venues.
Last week breweries said they were poised to deliver 250 million pubs in two weeks in order to get businesses moving again.
The hospitality trade has been one of the worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, as customers were urged to avoid going into pubs even before the lockdown was introduced on March 23.
