Pub opening rules explained: How new government guidelines will change your visit
FROM today you can enjoy a pint in your favourite pub with your pals.
As the government continues to ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions pubs and bars will be able to reopen but a few restrictions will be in place.
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When are pubs reopening in the UK?
Your local boozer is likely to have reopened today after Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light for them to reopen in a boost to the hospitality industry.
Boozers had to shut back in March, with many issuing concerns they could go out of business.
Mr Johnson has also revealed pubs will be allowed to serve drinks outside in a bid to boost the economy.
Some pubs have been allowed to partially reopen in June using outdoor market-style stalls.
What are the new pub rules?
While the doors of your favourite pub may be open today, things will not be the same as before lockdown and you will have to observe a number of restrictions before you can sink that first pub pint.
Social distancing rules
The two-metre social distancing rule has been reduced to one metre plus - which means one metre minimum distance when not possible to otherwise.
The "plus" means that the public must also take other precautionary measures to limit any potential spread.
Pub layout
With social distancing in mind, the look of your favourite boozer could be very different.
Tables will also be placed two metres apart and screens will be erected at bars to protect staff.
Limits on customers will also be in place, with people only let in if there is a seat for them.
Record of your visit
Bars and restaurants will have to keep a record of everyone who visits before being served under new plans.
Personal details are kept on file for four weeks and are used to contact people if one of the patrons is hit with coronavirus.
PPE
Bar staff will have to wear masks and gloves at all times while working.
Advance booking
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to simply walk into a pub on the spur of the moment and have a pint, certainly in the first few days of reopening.
Drinkers were warned that they will have had to book a table beforehand if they wanted to go to the pub today.
Ordering
Queuing up at a crowded bar is strictly out and you will have to order your round of drinks using a downloaded app.
Entering and leaving
A one-way system of sorts will be introduced with customers entering via one door and having to leave via another.
Controlled access to toilets
Pubs will have controlled access to restrooms in order to keep as many people separated as possible.
Bathrooms must have liquid soap, hand sanitiser and working water taps.
What new laws is the government introducing?
New laws to be rushed through will allow a summer of drinking in streets, car parks and other outdoor spaces to help pubs bounce back from months in lockdown.
The new Business and Planning Bill will also relax planning permission rules to make it easier and quicker to arrange car boot sales, summer fetes and outdoor markets.
It will double the amount of time that planning permissions last for these temporary events and allow "temporary structures" such as marquees and street trading stalls to stay up for up to 28 days.
It will also help the fight against the virus by encouraging people to be outdoors, where the risk of spreading the virus is much lower.
Temporary changes to licensing laws will allow many more licenced premises such as pubs and restaurants to sell alcohol for consumption off their premises.
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Customers will be able to buy their drinks from a pub and consume them elsewhere, making social distancing easier.
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Pubs and restaurants will be able to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas - enabling customers to enjoy their drinks and food outside.
But the Government has dropped plans to scrap Sunday Trading rules that limit the opening hours for shops after Tory rebels and Labour threatened to torpedo the whole bill.
