THIRSTY Brits could be back boozing in pubs next month, Boris Johnson has revealed.
The Prime Minister suggested experts are close to a solution to halting the coronavirus spread in bars.
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New moves to ease the two-metre social distancing rule could bring more cheer.
Boris said: “We may be able to do things faster than I thought.”
The PM said pubs, restaurants and hotels may all reopen next month.
He is also expected to announce new rules allowing two households to meet for barbecues at tomorrow afternoon’s three-week review of the coronavirus lockdown.
The hospitality sector was due to be shuttered until July 4 at the earliest under the PM’s roadmap for easing restrictions.
But speaking via Zoom video link to a Commons liaison committee today, he said his ministers were “trying to go as fast as we can” to reopen the industry.
He said: "It is really difficult to bring forward hospitality measures in a way that involves social distancing.
"But I am much more optimistic about that than I was. We may be able to do things faster than I previously thought."
The news will bring a smile to the nation who had faced another month without being able to return to the pub.
Boris' roadmap to ending lockdown says that step two – which is set to start within days – will not include the hospitality sector.
It says: "All other sectors that are currently closed, including hospitality and personal care, are not able to re-open at this point because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher.
"The opening of such sectors is likely to take place in phases during step three."
That was due to be no sooner than July 4.
Elsewhere in the committee, the PM:
- Revealed test and trace would start across England tomorrow – and anyone who has contact with a positive case will be told to self-isolate
- Admitted the nation was unprepared for the virus and failed to learn the lessons of SARS and MERS like other countries did
- Defended Dominic Cummings again from fuming MPs – and told them the nation wanted to focus on fighting coronavirus
- Gave hope for holidays this summer as he confirmed air bridges are being looked at with other nations
Key to the early reopening of pubs and restaurants — ones with gardens and outdoor space first — could be a change to the two-metre social distancing rule.
The PM has instructed scientists to see if it could be shortened to a metre or 1.5 metres, as used by other countries. Mr Johnson revealed that the rule could evolve, as the Government’s advice did on wearing face masks.
But he insisted the decision would depend on a verdict from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, who turned down the idea once before.
The PM added: “My own hope is that as we make progress in getting the virus down, we will be able to reduce that distance, which I think will be particularly valuable in transport and clearly the hospitality sector.
"Their answer is that that is what they feel is the right interval for us. We rely and have done throughout on the guidance we get from our advisers and that is what they think is appropriate at the moment but that may evolve."
No10 aides insisted the decision on when pubs could reopen was not dependent on two metres being relaxed. Neither decision will come next week in time for Step 2 of the unlockdown plan and boozers must prove they are secure from transmission first.
Ministers are in talks with pub bosses to work out how they can get our locals back in business.
James Davis, landlord of The Cock, in Brent Eleigh, Suffolk, said an early lifting of restrictions “would be like a cloudy sky making way for summer”.
James, a Camra pub of the month winner, said: “The sooner the better. It will be the mother of all celebrations.”
Greg Grundy, 58, at The Egremont in Worthing, West Sussex, added: “If pubs open in June it is fantastic. We’ve got our pub ready to rock and roll.”
And pub chain Mitchells & Butlers said: “We welcome the PM’s comments and are really looking to opening our pubs as soon as it is safe for our team and customers.”
The Sun has had a sneak peak inside a Wetherspoons branch – which is upgrading its boozers so they are ready to reopen when lockdown rules are relaxed.
Last week the pub chain revealed its social distancing plans.
We went to the The Mossy Well in Muswell Hill, North London, where Eddie Gershon, press officer for the chain, explained how social distancing measures will work inside pubs.
The pub has been kitted out with screen, posters and floor markings to help demonstrate how Wetherspoons will reopen its 875 locations.
Signs outside and on exterior doors help staff communicate with customers how they need to queue in order to stop a build-up of people.
Tables have been spaced out or screens put up in between them in order to allow customers to keep safe.
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They will also put stickers on the furniture to remind drinkers not to move tables.
There will be separate exits and entrances. Welcome signs will give further guidance to customers, including asking them to only visit pubs if they feel well.
Perspex screens have been fitted at tills and customers will be encouraged to pay using the Wetherspoons app, meaning they can get table service.
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