Boris Johnson laid out his roadmap “to recovery” for England in February, revealing how he plans to lift lockdown restrictions in the coming months.
The prime minister said the lifting on restrictions is dependent on four tests, including the success of the vaccine deployment programme, evidence that vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations, confirmation that infection rates not surging, and that the assessment of these risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of the virus.
“The threat remains substantial,” Mr Johnson said. “But we’re able to take these steps because of the resolve of the British public and the extraordinary success of our NHS in vaccinating more than 17.5m people across the UK.
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“There is no credible route to a zero-Covid Britain or indeed a zero-Covid world. We cannot persist indefinitely with restrictions that debilitate our economy, our physical and mental wellbeing and the life-chances of our children.”
But what does all this mean for pubs? Here’s everything you need to know.
When do pubs reopen?
Boris Johnson has confirmed that restaurants, pubs, and cafes can reopen for outdoor dining in England no earlier than 12 April.
Mr Johnson also said that hospitality venues could begin to serve limited numbers of customers inside dining rooms no earlier than 17 May.
Read more: Lockdown roadmap: What is reopening and when?
When hospitality does reopen, the prime minister said that rules will apply, including the rule of six or two-household rule.
Unlike before, though, there will be no curfew, or substantial meal rule, but customers must remain seated and not order at the bar.
When will pub gardens open?
In light of what the prime minister has said, pub gardens will be able to reopen in England no earlier than 12 April.
Many pubs are already taking bookings for tables outside given that spaces will be limited due to social distancing measures.
People will not be permitted to actually drink or dine together inside a pub until the next stage of Mr Johnson’s lockdown roadmap, which is currently set for 17 May.
