Pubs could reopen under tough restrictions that would see drinkers limited to three pints, according to an expert who has been advising the Government.
The news comes after Michael Gove revealed earlier this month that pubs and bars could remain shut until Christmas.
According to the cabinet minister, these outlets would be the last businesses to open when the UK begins to return to normality following the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, new plans for an exit from lockdown have detailed how pubs may be forced to operate - with owners turning into enforcers.
The terms outlined by economist and government advisor Professor Eyal Winter call for strict social distancing rules.
Speaking to The Guardian, Prof Winter said pubs, shops and restaurants could reopen as long as there was mandatory physical distancing and fines for those flouting the rules.
His proposals would see drinkers stay two meters apart and would also be limited to three tipples before having to leave to free up space for others to enjoy a drink.
Prof Winter of Lancaster University said: “People are starving for pubs. They are an important part of British culture.”
He added that entertainment venues, like cinemas and theatres, could also re-open but every other seat would have to be unoccupied.
However, businesses fear social distancing could hit the hospitality industry the hardest, reports the Mirror.
Katie Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality said reopening without a plan of action could be “catastrophic” for the sector.
She said: “An extended period of social distancing will mean that many hospitality businesses will not be able to operate fully and many will not be able to open at all.”
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) also said the high street would also suffer with limits on the number of shoppers allowed into stores at any one time.
Tom Ironside, the BRC’s director of business said: “Firms face high costs to implement social distancing measures coupled with lower footfall.”
However, with many Edinburgh pubs struggling to stay open while landlords keep charging rent during lockdown, the plans could be essential to keeping businesses afloat.
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