When will pubs and restaurants open in England?

22 February 2021, 11:57 | Updated: 22 February 2021, 16:13

Boris Johnson lockdown announcement: When will restaurants and pubs open again in 2021?

Boris Johnson has announced his roadmap to getting out of lockdown in England today.

Pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality venues have all been closed across the country since January 5 following a spike in coronavirus cases.

This has had a huge effect on the industry, with 20 per cent of licensed premises now said to be facing closures.

But as the government continues to roll out their vaccine programme, there is hope for the next few months.

So when will pubs and restaurants reopen again after lockdown? Here’s what we know…

When will pubs and restaurants open in England?

Boris Johnson confirmed pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality venues could be allowed to reopen for outside serving on April 12.

Read More: When will gyms reopen in England?

Then on May 17, indoor hospitality would be allowed to welcome customers back.

There will be no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew.

The requirement to order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’) will remain.

But the restrictions will only be changed if four tests are met, which include:

• The vaccine programme continuing to be rolled out successfully
• Evidence that vaccines are reducing the number of people dying or hospitalised
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations
• The assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern.

Lateral flow tests could be used to reopen nightclubs and theatres

Mr Johnson has previously said there will be a ‘gradual and phased’ approach to lifting restrictions, saying: "We will be cautious about this approach so that we do not undo the progress we have achieved so far and the sacrifices each and every one of you has made to keep yourself and others safe.

“We have therefore set four key tests which must be met before we can move through each step of the plan. I’ll be setting out a roadmap to bring us out of lockdown cautiously.”

He added: “Our priority has always been getting children back into school, which we know is crucial for their education as well as their mental and physical well-being.

"And we will also be prioritising ways for people to reunite with loved ones safely.”

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