Sunderland pub owners respond to Government announcement on reopenings

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today, Tuesday, June 23, that pubs, bars and restaurants are among the businesses allowed to reopen on July 4 after three months of closure to limit the spread of Covid-19.

He told the Commons that restaurants and pubs will be allowed to reopen, but contact details should be collected in order to trace people if any outbreak occurs.

He said: “I can tell the House that we will also reopen restaurants and pubs. All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service and our guidance will encourage minimal staff and customer contact.”

Mr Johnson also announced that the two-metre rule will be reduced to "one metre-plus" from July 4, a key issue in pubs being able to survive post-lockdown.

Pub bosses across the city have welcomed the news that they will finally be able to serve their customers.

Walter Veti, from The Saltgrass, has been offering takeaway kegs and cocktail jars during lockdown, an incredibly popular service. But he says there’s nothing like being able to go to your favourite pub for a pint.

The historic pub in Deptford has been given a new exterior during lockdown and more tables are being installed outside for people to enjoy a drink.

Walter said: We’ve applied for an outdoor bar licence, so not only will we have a beer garden, we’ll also be able to serve alcohol outside. I think a lot of the new measures, like getting people’s contact details for track and trace, will be with us for a while and we’ll end up relying a lot on technology, such as app ordering systems, to make that work.

“But we’re really happy to finally get the news we can reopen.”

On the coast, the Roker Hotel and Poetic License has unveiled its new beer garden to allow for social distancing.

Operations director Jonathan Graham said: “We cannot wait to see people again. Relaxing the two-metre rule is crucial for our survival.”

It comes as the Echo is running its #SupportLocal campaign to encourage people to use city businesses.

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