Pubs in England could reopen again on June 22, a fortnight earlier than planned, according to reports.
Half a dozen ministers branding themselves the “save the summer six” are hoping to speed up the opening of boozers.
Boris Johnson named July 4 as the earliest date that pubs could reopen with strict social distancing, subject to the Government’s five tests, in his lockdown easing plan last month.
But Chancellor Rishi Sunak is leading the rebel group in a bid to throw beer gardens open to lockdown-weary Brits this month, the Financial Times reports.
The plans, which the newspaper claims were confirmed by three Whitehall officials, would require strict social distancing.
Trade body UK Hospitality has warned that pubs and other small businesses could struggle to make profit with the two-metre rule in place, but the PM has said it is under review
It comes as the Government is expected to announce plans to scrap Sunday trading laws in the coming weeks in a scramble to save 3.5 million jobs that could be at risk if the economy does not open up.
Places of worship are due to reopen from June 15, along with non-essential shops, but the hospitality sector faces an uncertain future.
Robert Jenrick, housing and local government secretary, is reportedly reviewing planning rules to make it easier for pubs and bars to use outdoor areas when they reopen.
The other ministers in the “save the summer six” are said to be cabinet office minister Michael Gove, transport secretary Grant Shapps, and culture secretary Oliver Dowden
Pubs have been closed since March, except for takeaways.
Industry bosses have warned that 15,000 pubs could be forced to permanently close if they are forced to wait until September to emerge from lockdown.
“I am very, very worried about the sector,” Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said. “There are going to be much fewer people inside our pubs and that is part of the reality going forward.”
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