Lancaster pubs release set of guidelines for customers ahead of re-opening on July 4

Landlords and premises managers from around 35 city centre pubs met with Lancaster City Council and Lancaster Police last week to discuss the new guidance and regulations from the government on how to re-open pubs on Saturday, July 4.

Some pubs will re-open immediately, while others say they will wait a bit.

It will have been more than 100 days since pubs closed on March 20 when the country went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lancaster landlord Tim Tomlinson, who is also chair of the city's Pubwatch scheme, said: "On March 20 all the pubs and bars in England were closed down by PM Boris Johnson.

"This weekend, 106 days later, they will legally be allowed to reopen again, should they choose.

"But like everything else in the UK, things will be very different in July compared to how it looked back in Feb 2020.

"We’ve all heard about the 'new normal' but how does that apply to pubs and bars?

"The government released guidance for the hospitality sector on Wednesday last week but what does it mean for you the customer?"

The group has set out a number of points for customers to consider and adhere to when visiting pubs from July 4:

RESERVATIONS

Before you get there you might want to make a reservation.

Most premises will have a reduced number of tables so if you want a seat, check their web site to see if you can book - even for outside tables.

NAME AND NUMBERS

When you arrive you will be required to provide the name and contact details (mobile or email) for everyone in the group.

This is only in case someone on the premises later tests positive for Covid-19 so Track and Trace can contact all those who may have been close to them.

NO STANDING

Most visibly, you won’t be allowed to stand. Table service is the default situation.

You will be shown to your seat, orders taken at your table and, most likely, your food and drink brought to you.

No standing at the bar or wandering over to the table in the corner to chat to your mates that you’ve not seen for 15 weeks.

TWO FAMILIES/BUBBLES PER TABLE INSIDE

Indoor gatherings are limited to members of any two households (or support bubbles), while outdoor gatherings are limited to members of any two households (or support bubbles), or a group of at most six people from any number of households.

ORDERING APPS

Many premises will now probably have the option of ordering your drinks or food on your phone.

This reduces contact between you and the servers and may even get your drinks and food faster.

LIVE MUSIC AND SPORT

There will be no live music or dancing and it seems like televised sport will be very difficult to show although this is currently a bit of a grey area.

It is not officially excluded, but it would be very hard to meet the government conditions of managing the risks of loud energetic crowds at the end of a big match.

Tim added: "The pub trade all understand this may all feel a little bureaucratic and rigid, but it is what they are required to do in order to be allowed to open and to keep us all safe.

"And in any case, we all hope it won’t be for too long. So they thank you for your patience and understanding.

"If we all follow the rules (and don’t get upset with the serving staff who are all doing their best in difficult circumstances) then hopefully sooner rather than later, we will move to the more normal, shoulder to shoulder, buzzing pubs we all love."