Takeaway pints ‘back from April’ and pubs to ‘reopen in May without 10pm curfew’

Pubs will reopen in May without the 10pm curfew in place, it has been reported.

Brits may be allowed to enjoy takeaway pints once again from April, with pubs set to reopen the following month, The Sun reports.

But anyone wanting a cold, refreshing, freshly-pulled pint, especially those in large groups, will be encouraged to drink outside, the report adds.

A Whitehall source reportedly told the paper: “Things that were proven to be a hindrance like 10pm drinking up, will go.

"If pubs are to reopen for good they’ve got to do it properly and can’t be stuck in limbo like last year.”

Another added: "Ventilation is key to tackling the virus so expect a major push to drink outside to begin with, especially for larger groups."

It comes following reports that the requirement on pubs to serve a "substantial meal" with alcohol is set to be scrapped when boozers reopen.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to ditch the complicated rule which proved difficult to enforce when pubs were open, confusing both landlords and punters.

It caused chaos for struggling pubs with government ministers struggling to determine what constituted a substantial meal.

• 

  Barbers and salons 'set to reopen early' as Govt say they will 'help mental health'

Michael Gove declared that a scotch egg would count, while some pubs were seen serving tiny bowls of chips with a pint in a bid to find a Covid loophole.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick also gave a confused radio interview about whether a Cornish pasty would constitute a substantial meal.

Boris Johnson's first step in lifting England out of lockdown will reportedly be to allow Brits to meet their mates outside.

The earliest relaxations will be centred on outdoor activities, where coronavirus is less transmissible.

This means street markets are set to return before high street shops and alfresco drinking and dining will be allowed before eating indoors.

Outdoor activities will be allowed sooner than the re-opening of shops, pubs and restaurants, according to reports.

We will have to wait until February 22 for the Prime Minister to reveal his road map out of lockdown but it is understood that change is scheduled to kick in on March 8.

From then school children are set to return to the classroom and sports like tennis and golf will be allowed, along with outdoor socialising in limited groups.

Source: Read Full Article