UK pubs may be allowed to partially open this summer as the Government relaxes coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants have been closed in Britain since March 20.
However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce that the two-metre rule will be relaxed from July 4 and that pubs, restaurants and hotels can reopen, The Times reports.
Here's what we know:
When will pubs open?
Appearing on Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News, the health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that the government is looking into plans to reopen pubs.
“In that plan, it states that on around 4 July we will take further measures if it is safe to do so. We talk about hospitality and outdoor hospitality in those plans,” he said. “We are clearly on track for that plan.”
It is not yet clear when pubs without open areas will be permitted to reopen.
Government officials have previously suggested the UK’s more than 48,000 pubs would not reopen for many months.
Wetherspoons has said it is planning to open its 874 pubs across the UK and Ireland on July 4, subject to approval from the Government.
What measures will landlords take to keep customers safe?
According to reports, visitors may need to download an app and order their drinks via their smartphones. Some chains such as Wetherspoons already allow customers to use apps to order drinks and food.
People may also be required to "check-in", to ensure pubs don't go over new capacities.
Pubs will need to be regularly cleaned, staff working hours will likely be staggered, and hand washing kits will be added at exits and entrances.
Some pub chains, such as Greene King, plan to reopen gardens with customers ordering their drinks by phone to avoid long queues.
Tourism Alliance Director Kurt Janson told the Sun that pubs could open up large beer gardens on high streets and farmlands to help social distancing.
The Financial Times reported in mid-May that British pub operators have asked for social distancing rules to be halved from two metres to one in talks with government on reopening, concerned that otherwise many would have to close.
