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Pub Beer Gardens Could Reopen From 22 June, According To New Report

Pub Beer Gardens Could Reopen From 22 June, According To New Report

The report claims that pubs and restaurants might be allowed to serve customers outside later this month

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

The UK Government is reportedly looking at plans that could see pubs in England reopen outdoor areas as early as 22 June.

The hospitality industry had previously been told pubs would not be able to reopen before 4 July but that it could even be later.

However, a new report in the Financial Times claims the government is considering 22 June as a target date to allow pubs and restaurants to serve customers outdoors.

According to the Financial Times, 'three senior Whitehall officials said the target date was 22 June', despite an official line from Downing Street saying, 'no date had been set for the reopening of beer gardens, marquees and terraces'.

PA

There are said to be six cabinet ministers - including Chancellor Rishi Sunak - who are working on the plans and have been dubbed the 'save summer six'.

The report goes on to say that the cabinet will discuss these plans tomorrow (Tuesday 9 June).

The hospitality sector has warned the government that as many as 3.5million could lose their jobs if pubs don't reopen soon.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, has said previously: "I am very, very worried about the sector," she said. "There are going to be much fewer people inside our pubs and that is part of the reality going forward."

Chancellor Sunak is in favour of a full reopening of pubs and restaurants - with social distancing measures in place - on 4 July, the report adds.

Pub-chain Wetherspoon recently shared footage of how its pubs might look post-lockdown with new social distancing measures in place.

Footage filmed at The Mossy Well in London's Muswell Hill showed disposable menus, tables two metres apart, screens up around some tables and points of sale as well as markings on the floor to encourage pub-goers to keep their distance.

Speaking in April Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told the BBC that pubs, hotels and restaurants would be some of the last places to reopen.

He told the Andrew Marr Show: "Areas of hospitality will be among the last to exit the lockdown, yes that is true, they will be among the last."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus