Pubs ‘unlikely’ to reopen for five months under lockdown restriction easing plans

Pubs and bars could be the last businesses allowed to reopen when lockdown restrictions are eased, according to reports. 

Measures are expected to remain in place until late March, with the government reportedly looking at a gradual release of restrictions over the course of several months. 

It is understood that ministers are looking at the first bank holiday in May as a possible reopening day for pubs. 

A source told The Sunday Times: “The May Day bank holiday is more likely the moment you see pubs reopening.”

It is another blow to the hospitality industry who were no longer permitted to sell takeaway pints in the latest lockdown.

There are now fears pubs could face permanent closure, as most brits won’t have visited a pub since last summer. 

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has explained the ban on takeaway pints as a ‘death knell for many pubs’. 

CAMRA chairman Nik Antona said: “What is particularly concerning in the latest announcement has been the confusion around whether pubs will be able to operate on a level playing field with supermarkets and off-licences during this lockdown – as they have been able to previously.

“Takeaway sales, in sealed containers, for people to take home, were a real lifeline for the trade in previous lockdowns and restricting that route to market now would be a death knell for many pubs.

“This will once again provide an unfair advantage to supermarkets and off-licences that don’t face similar restrictions.”

They added: “It is clear now more than ever that the Government must introduce a new, long-term and sector-specific financial support package to help these businesses survive the coming months.

“While one-off grant support is welcome, it is nowhere near enough to cover the hemorrhaging costs for pubs and breweries that don’t see any end in sight.”

Chief executive of pub group Marston’s, Ralph Findlay, told the MEN that the government needs to step up and extend the business rates holiday beyond April. He said: “The pub sector has been closed for much of the last nine months and remains in a very difficult position.

“Regrettably there have been casualties across the sector and it is vital that the government reviews urgently the opportunity to continue to support pubs as we reopen the economy in the coming weeks.

“Pubs are viable businesses which are part of the social fabric of Britain and which make a major contribution to the economy and the communities in which they serve.

“It is vital that they not only survive the short-term crisis but are supported in order to recover and flourish.

“Extending the business rates holiday and VAT cut for the rest of this year is a minimum requirement.”

Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) chief executive, James Calder, added that the U-turn in click and collect for alcohol ‘directly discriminates against small businesses’.

He said: “For the first time in lockdown, the Government intends to ban takeaway alcohol sales, which have been a lifeline to these small businesses.

“Sales through takeaway, click and collect and drive-through have enabled many to just about survive up to now.