What Sunderland hospitality businesses have to say about potential delay to June 21 Covid rules easing

Businesses across Sunderland have reacted to the news that June 21 easing may be delayed.

For many venues across Wearside Monday, April 12, marked the first day that they could reopen since November last year as coronavirus restrictions in England were eased further as part of the Government’s road map out of lockdown.

The second stage of the road map was then enforced on May 17 when indoor hospitality could reopen their doors.

But multiple reports have now suggested that plans to lift restrictions on June 21 could be put back, with social distancing and the wearing of face coverings set to continue amid concerns the Indian variant is fuelling a surge in cases.

Cafe 1851 which opened last week and The Looking Glass in Sunderland’s city centre which opened in April are two venues that were looking forward to June 21.

Owner Harry Collinson said: “Our main concern is keeping customers safe – we’ve waited a long time and have been patient so waiting a little longer doesn’t matter too much.

"Our teams have worked hard and we’ve had to adapt so hopefully there is a light at the end of the tunnel soon."

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Friday, June 4, saw the UK record its highest number of new confirmed coronavirus cases – 6,238 – since late March.

Brandon Ramsey, bar supervisor at Gatsby said the delay would be a little ‘disappointing’.

He said: “We are just taking it as it comes and the delay would be a little bit disappointing but really working at full capacity is marginal for us.

"It’s just one of these things and we’ll continue working with what restrictions are in place.”

According to the Telegraph, a two-week delay to the final stage of Boris Johnson’s road map will be used to accelerate second jabs for over-40s, moving from a 12 to eight-week gap between doses.

Over-25s will also be offered their first doses from next week, the newspaper said.

Amy Auld, supervisor at Grannie Annie's Pub and Pantry said: “We are taking things day by day and we have a good system in place so we are changing rules as restrictions change.

"The nice weather helps so for now we’re happy as we can be, obviously we’ll be a lot happier once life goes back to normal.”

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