LIVE: Shoppers queue outside Primark and Debenhams as lockdown eases and shops, bars, restaurants and gyms allowed to reopen

Pubs, shops, hairdressers, gyms and restaurants are reopening today in Sunderland as the country moves into the second step of the roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions.

By Poppy Kennedy

Published 12th Apr 2021, 07:54 BST

Updated 12th Apr 2021, 15:18 BST

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The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the nation to ‘behave responsibly’ as pub beer gardens reopen and restaurants are allowed to resume outdoor dining.

Cafes, restaurants and pubs with outdoor seating have been able to open this morning, with many heading out to enjoy their first pint in months.

Due to the third lockdown, many won’t have had their hair cut since 2020 so there will also be a rush back to hairdressers and barbers – one of the businesses also allowed to reopen today (Monday, April 12).

Customers have returned to cafes and pubs with outdoor seating across Sunderland

Non-essential shops can reopen too and we’ll be bringing you the latest on what the city centre looks like on the first day back for businesses across the country.

Scroll down for the latest updates from across the city.

Pubs Primark Debenhams