Pubs set to ‘reopen in May with the 10pm curfew scrapped’

The 10pm curfew is set to be scrapped when pubs reopen in May, according to reports.

Boris Johnson has ordered a ‘simplification’ of the rules when pubs reopen, The Sun reports.

Ministers have pencilled a return for takeaway pints in April, with pubs and bars able to reopen fully around a month later. 

Reports also explain that punters will be encouraged to drink outside, including big groups being restricted to beer gardens and on pavements.

It’s predicted that half of adults in Britain will be vaccinated by May, with over 50s and the vulnerable targeted to be jabbed by the end of April – opening the doors to the return of takeaway pints in the same month and then the reopening of pubs on May Bank Holiday weekend. 

The Sun adds that ministers are determined for hospitality to ‘open properly this time’ after many in the industry were left economically unviable by the curfew, confusing tier restrictions and ‘substantial’ meal restrictions. 

Since the start of the pandemic, 87 million pints of beer have been wasted, costing the sector £331 million it was revealed last night.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Our sector is in limbo.

“And at several points in the last 12 months pubs and breweries have effectively had to pour their revenues down the drain.”

The prime minister is set to layout a date and plan for the return of the hospitality sector in a lockdown speech on February 22nd. 

It is reported there will be simple rules after the disaster of the ‘substantial meal’ rule.

Whitehall sources and ministers said ‘everything is contingent on the cases and deaths continuing to fall’.

One added: “Things that were proven to be a hindrance like 10pm drinking up, will go. If pubs are to reopen for good they’ve got to do it properly and can’t be stuck in limbo like last year.”

The first stages of lockdown easing are likely to include the ability to exercise and mix outside when schools return in March. This means outside markets are set to return before high street shops as well as outdoor drinking and dining before dining indoors.

Dates are yet to be confirmed.