Beer Gardens Could Be Patrolled To Monitor Social Distancing After Lockdown

When pubs reopen as the country continues to ease lockdown restrictions, beer gardens could be patrolled to enforce social distancing measures and punters could be encouraged to order drinks through an app rather than going to the bar.

According to reports, a whole raft of guidance is being considered by the UK government, with the Prime Minister potentially scrapping the two-metre rule in the coming week.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed that the review ordered by Boris Johnson into the two-metre rule would be concluded 'within the coming days'.

But whether there is a squadron of bar staff keeping us all in line or not, it will just be great to finally get back to the pub after months away.

The government has previously said that some pubs could be allowed to reopen next month if they can enforce social distancing rules.

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This comes as new guidance was released urging hairdressers and barbers to keep chat to a 'minimum' when salons reopen post lockdown, which will surely come as a blessed relief for those of us who hate small talk.

With salons set to reopen their doors early in July, the National Hair and Beauty Federation has published a list of guidelines to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The guidelines suggest that stylists should 'avoid face-to-face discussions with clients'.

Adding: "Discussions about cut, colour and treatments should be made via the mirror while standing behind the client and kept to a minimum. You can lower the risk of infection if you stand or sit side-to-side rather than facing people."

Salons are urged to 'consider offering online consultations to reduce the appointment time,' adding that this could even be done before premises are fully open.

The guidelines also advise cutting out 'walk-in' appointments and encouraging customers not to bring coats and jackets into salons in warm weather as the virus can stay on fabrics for days.

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Alongside these guidelines, many salons will be implementing their own new rules and procedures to ensure customers and staff are kept safe.

A spokesperson for the federation told the Sun: "Salons are putting their own rules in place based on common sense."

One such company, Contemporary Salons, which has outlets across the north east and north Yorkshire, told the Sun it will be giving its staff PPE to wear and using 'virtual consultations'.

Managing director Alan Simpson said: "To ensure that all our clients feel confident and relaxed during their visit we have installed protective screens at reception, every two work stations and at the backwash to allow social distancing.

"Staff will also be adhering to the silence rule at the backwash so, not only can guests relax and enjoy their head massage, they can also feel reassured that germs and air particles are kept to a minimum."

As yet, no official date has been given for salons to reopen, but Dominic Raab previously told Sky News' Kay Burley: "From 4 July, at the earliest, we'll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers."

Topics: Coronavirus, Health

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom