Pubs could reopen by June 22nd in bid to revive the hospitality industry

The Financial Times reports that the government is aiming for June 22nd for pubs to reopen. 

Great news for everyone gasping for a frosty pint and those that work in hospitality, with reports saying that while the government has yet to confirm an opening date the target date is just two weeks away on June 22nd. 

Pubs closed from March 21st and since then many staff have been furloughed and the stock has been wasted. 

Industry chiefs have said if the hospitality industry doesn’t open, 3.5 million workers face redundancy. 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reputed to be among the group of minsters calling themselves the ‘save summer six’ and hoping to get bars, pubs and restaurants open this month.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is believed to be worrying about the economy ‘falling off a cliff’, despite warnings from scientists regarding lifting the lockdown.

If pubs do reopen soon, the are going to look very different to their pre-coronavirus state.

The new plans drawn up by Downing Street could also see the suspension of Sunday Trading Laws and 28-day minimum statutory consultation period.

The idea of the plan is to get the economy up and moving quickly, meaning restaurants can stay open longer than six hours and pubs, cafes and restaurants do not have to pay fees to local authorities to have seats outside. 

Latest reports from the hospitality sector call for a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule in order for the industry to survive. 

The British Beer and Pub Association and UK Hospitality fear that venues will not be able to make enough money to open if the rule remains at 2 metres. 

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “It must be recognised that no two pubs are the same and for many, ensuring a distance of two metres will be impossible, keeping them closed for much longer.

“Actioning advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for example to use one metre for social distancing from July would enable many more pubs to viably reopen and serve their communities again.”

There have also been suggested that British pubs could start using 2-pint steins in order to adhere to social distancing and reduce the number of interactions with customers and staff.

Bar stools may also make way for trestle tables and benches in beer gardens.