Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that restaurants, pubs, and hotels will be able to open from the beginning of July with social distancing rules also being eased.
While Johnson said that people should remain two metres apart where possible, businesses where this is not possible, such as those the hospitality sector, could observe a one-metre-plus rule. Like the Alert Level 2 restrictions put in place here, all indoor hospitality operations will be limited to table service only with businesses encouraged to have minimal staff and customer interaction.
The news has been welcomed by the hospitality sector, although many will be waiting on what the specific guidelines will be before finalising their reopening plans.
“Good to finally hear this news but we have yet to see the detail and how much of the guidance is ‘where possible’ for example on taking names and contact details for all guests,” said Jonathan Downey from Hospitality Union.
“Ten days’ notice to reopening is a practical impossibility for many and with one-metre distancing, economically unviable for most. But we will crack on and this is a start.”
