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Pub Goers Queue Up At Midnight To Have First Pints As Lockdown Eases

Pub Goers Queue Up At Midnight To Have First Pints As Lockdown Eases

Pub beer gardens, gym, non-essential retail and personal care all reopen today

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

It's the day we've been all waiting for as pub beer gardens reopen for the first time in months and some pub goers were so keen to get their mitts on a draft bevvy that they queued at midnight.

Customers at The Oak Inn in Coventry were among those who decided to brave the cold temperatures overnight to get themselves a post-lockdown drink.

SWNS

Bar staff in masks could be seen handing over pints to delighted customers, who were able to enjoy their drink inside a gazebo set up by the boozer.

Alongside their drinks, patrons could also tuck into pizza and kebabs, which were being served up at the pub. I can think of worse ways to spend my Monday morning.

As part of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, beer gardens across England are able to serve customers as long as they are made 'Covid-safe' and have social distancing measures in place.

SWNS

The 'rule of six' applies - so you can meet with up to five other people from different households. Alternatively, you can meet in a group of more than six as long as the individuals are from no more than two different households.

As well as outdoor hospitality, gyms, personal care and all non-essential retail is also opening their doors for the first time in 2021. And I honestly can't tell you if I'm excited about the prospect of a pint of Guinness or a haircut.

In a statement, Johnson said: "Today is a major step forward in our roadmap to freedom as venues such as shops, hairdressers, nail salons, outdoor attractions, and pubs and restaurants open once again.

SWNS

"I'm sure it will be a huge relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long, and for everyone else it's a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed.

"I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember 'hands, face, space and fresh air' to suppress Covid as we push on with our vaccination programme."

The next stages of the four step easing of restrictions are still to come.

SWNS

Step Three will begin no earlier than 17 May and will allow groups of up to 30 to meet outdoors, cinemas to reopen and organised indoor sport to recommence. International travel will also be allowed.

Step Four will begin no earlier than 21 June, at which point there will be no legal limits on social contact, enabling nightclubs to reopen and large events to go ahead.

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: UK News, lockdown