Pubs with beer gardens 'to be among first' venues to reopen when quarantine eased

29 May 2020, 16:10

Pubs, restaurants, theatres, clubs and cinemas have been closed for more than two months. Picture: PA

By Matt Drake

Pubs with beer gardens are likely to be among the first venues in the hospitality sector to reopen when coronavirus restrictions are eased, the Environment Secretary has confirmed.

George Eustice said there would be no changes until "at least" July when he expected pubs and restaurants with outdoor areas would be the only ones able to welcome customers again.

Pubs, restaurants, theatres, clubs and cinemas have been closed for more than two months after the Prime Minister announced last orders on March 20.

Coronavirus infection rates are believed to be lower in outside spaces, and Mr Eustice signalled that venues with gardens would be the first to reopen.

He told Sky News: "The sectors that are going to have the greatest challenge getting back to work, which we recognise, and I'm sure the Chancellor recognises this too - the hospitality sector and some of those other ticketed venues, in particular cinemas and in particular theatres, restaurants and pubs, will also face a challenge getting back into operation.

"And that is why we won't be loosening the restrictions on them until at least July and even then it is likely that in the case of pubs and restaurants it will begin with beer gardens and outdoor areas only."

Beer industry boss warns 15,000 pubs could close due to coronavirus

Asked about those self-employed workers who cannot go back to work, Mr Eustice told Sky News: "The sectors that are going to have the greatest challenge getting back to work, which we recognise, and I'm sure the Chancellor recognises this too - the hospitality sector and some of those other ticketed venues, in particular cinemas and in particular theatres, restaurants and pubs, will also face a challenge getting back into operation.

It comes after it was announced yesterday that groups of up to six people can meet in private gardens from Monday.

Speaking at the daily government press conference on coronavirus, the Prime Minister said five key tests had been met showing that the outbreak was being contained.

Mr Johnson said that non-essential retail could be reopened from June 15, among other measures and said that from Monday up to six people could meet outside in parks and private gardens provided social distancing rules were maintained.