The British Beer & Pub Association has welcomed prime minister Boris Johnson’s call for pub-goers to be responsible and follow measures put in place in pubs to ensure their safety, when they re-open today.
In his speech, the prime minister noted that pubs had gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of their customers as they re-open.
He said: “All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this re-opening, to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe.
“But the success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down.
“Lockdown only succeeded in controlling the virus because everyone worked together, and we will only succeed in re-opening if everyone works together again. Because we are not out of the woods yet. The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that. If it starts running out of control again this government will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions.
‘We are all excited to see our locals re-open after so long’
“Anyone who flouts social distancing and Covid-secure rules is not only putting us all at risk, but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal.
“So as we take this next step, our biggest step yet, on the road to recovery, I urge the British people to do so safely.”
BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said: “It is great to see the prime minister recognise the lengths our pubs have gone to in order to re-open safely from [today].
“We are all excited to see our locals re-open after so long and the wait is nearly over. We echo the prime minister’s call and urge pub-goers who plan on visiting their local this Saturday to act responsibly, follow the measures in place, and help pub landlords and staff to open in the best way possible. Doing so will ensure everyone can enjoy the return to the pubs we love so much, safely.”
