Just one in five Sunderland pubs, bars and restaurants plan to reopen on July 4

Sunderland City Council says that, as of noon on Friday, July 3 only 82 pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants had indicated plans to reopen this weekend.

For the first time since before lockdown restrictions were imposed in March, licensed premises across the country will be allowed to reopen to customers on Saturday.

But a number of Sunderland’s popular drinking spots have already announced they intend to remain closed this weekend in a bid to keep both staff and customers safe.

A council spokesman said: “Sunderland has 423 licensed premises that are pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants which could potentially reopen this weekend.

“As of noon Friday 3 July, the City Council is aware of 82 indicating they have plans to open.”

The Government previously announced pubs and restaurants would be able to open along as operators as long as they abide by social distancing guidelines.

From tomorrow, the new “one metre plus” rule will be implemented in England where it is not possible to stay two metres apart.

Customers will also have to adapt to new measures from booking in advance where possible and one way systems to hand sanitiser stations and ‘table service only.’

Ahead of the reopenings, Director of Public Health for Sunderland City Council, Gillian Gibson, has urged the public to observe social distancing.

And warned a failure to do so could lead to a spike in infections potentially triggering a local lockdown.

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