The 10pm curfew will reportedly be scrapped when pubs reopen, according to a new article from The Sun.
The newspaper claims Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a 'simplification' of rules as the government looks at post-lockdown measures, with hopes that pubs may be able to reopen as early as May.
It is thought that outdoor socialising will still be prioritised due to the increased risk of coronavirus spreading indoors.
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Ministers are reportedly considering a return for takeaway pints in April, with pubs and bars allowed to reopen a month later.
But the contentious 10pm curfew that was brought in as part of England's regional tier system is believed to be ancient history, as it will not be reintroduced as businesses open up.
'Multiple Whitehall sources and ministers' outlined the plan to The Sun, but said it was still 'early days', stressing that any changes would be 'contingent' on the number of cases and deaths continuing to fall.
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One source told the outlet: "Things that were proven to be a hindrance like 10pm drinking up, will go. If pubs are to reopen for good they've got to do it properly and can't be stuck in limbo like last year."
Another added: "Ventilation is key to tackling the virus so expect a major push to drink outside to begin with, especially for larger groups."
Remember the so-called 'Scotch Egg Rule', which saw alcohol only served alongside a substantial meal? It is believed this is also being scrapped as part of plans to simplify rules.
A government source told the Daily Mail: "As the pandemic has changed in the past year we have always tried to adapt the rules to make them more effective and easier to understand. As we look to cautiously unlock, we will seek to do the same again."
Another said: "There is a hope to not get bogged down in 'scotch egg-gate' again, by effectively simplifying the rules to avoid confusion."
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The estimated 'R' number is currently between 0.7 and 1.0, suggesting the rate at which the virus is reproducing is finally slowing down.
However, the government has warned that measures still remain in place.
The health ministry said in a statement: "These estimates mean we are now confident the epidemic is shrinking across England, though it remains important that everyone continues to stay at home in order to keep the R value down."
LADbible has reached out to Number 10 for comment.
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