The prime minister has confirmed that the four tests for the third stage of easing lockdown restrictions are being met. This gives a green light for pubs, restaurants, and other venues to be able to re-open next Monday, 17th May.
He has, however, ruled out bringing forward the next stage of restriction lifting, currently set for 21st June.
For now, though, may will be thanksful to escape chilly gardens and get back indoors. (Sod’s law, though, says there will probably be a heatwave from next Monday.)
James Calder, chief executive of SIBA (the Society of Indpendent Brewers), said: “Publicans and brewers across England will today be able to let out a sigh of relief when the prime minister confirms pubs will be allowed to open indoors from 17th May.
“The majority of pubs simply do not have the outdoor space to make opening outdoors commercially viable, meaning most have remained closed. Now, as pubs are able to invite customers back inside, the industry is finally able to begin on its road to recovery.”
Cask is back!
He added: “In the week ahead, beer from local breweries will be making its way to pub cellars, as landlords prepare to let customers back inside Britain’s public houses and serve them a pint of fresh independent beer.
“Thousands of people across the UK have already been sharing photos on social media of them enjoying a pint of cask beer — which is only available in pubs — using the #CaskIsBack hashtag, and now, with pubs re-opening proper, this can continue with gusto.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “This is another important step on the road to freedom and the recovery of our sector. We know Brits cannot wait to get back inside a warm pub.
“However, inside opening with restrictions is still not enough to secure the survival of pubs. We need them to be fully re-opened without any restrictions at all from June 21st to survive and trade viably.”
The Pubs Advisory Service tweeted: “Stage 3 is on track and going ahead, BUT please remember that the majority of #ukpubs will not be able to break even with measures in place.”
