When will pubs and bar open again? No-one is certain, but if the government has a plan they need to let the hospitality industry know as soon as possible.

Pubs need to be safe for both staff and customers when they re-open, and to be able to ensure that the businesses need good notice.

Shops have had notice — they know they can re-open their premises from 15th June, and many are occupied now, with owners putting the requisite safety measures in place. Pubs and bars need to know where they stand, too.

What is a pub without beer, though? The breweries also need notice — more notice, in fact — to get production levels up for pub distribution.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), says: “The government must give sufficient notice to our sector by confirming a definitive date when pubs will be allowed to re-open. At least three weeks’ notice is needed, ideally four, to ensure enough draught beer can be brewed and be ready to go into pubs for when they re-open.

“That means the government must confirm by 13th June if pubs can definitely re-open on July 4th, as indicated in their roadmap for unlocking the economy.

“Our pubs and breweries are desperately in need of this clarity. Beer sales in pubs were zero in April meaning that total beer sales were down by 24% in April, so it’s imperative we get brewing our world-class beer again and re-open pubs as soon as possible. This will save pubs from permanent closure and protect the vital local jobs pubs and breweries support across the UK.”