Surrey Hants Borders

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Lockdown easing rules

Sunday 21 March 2021

We are now in the middle for March and no doubt that many of you are busy trying to complete the ‘Not Christmas Quiz’ by the end of the month.

I thought it would be a good time to look forward to when pubs and clubs start to reopen in the United Kingdom. Below is the latest information for each of the countries in the UK. Of course all of the below can change at any time, so please check before planning a trip to a pub or club.

For the latest on pub news on which pub is open then please visit WhatPub.com . The local branch of CAMRA will try their best to keep the pub entries up to date but in this very difficult times this will be challenging, so please always contact or check online with the pub or club on their current opening policy.

This is the latest information as of the middle of March.

England

Indicative dates have been given for the reopening of pubs and how many people will be able to meet. England will be easing restrictions nationally and will not be returning to a Tier system. Pubs and clubs are able to serve customers in outside spaces not before April 12th. There will be no curfew or substantial meal requirement and the ‘rule of six’ will apply. All venues will be able to resume takeaway alcohol sales at this point. Pubs and clubs will be able to serve customers inside not before May 17th and the ‘rule of six’ will apply to groups indoors. All legal limits should be be removed not before June 21th.

Many pubs are already taking bookings for outside tables so please check with the pub before going.

Scotland

The Scottish Government has published proposals for a gradual reopening as part of a return to a tier system. These proposals are subject to changes in both the restrictions on opening and when these changes come into force, depending on the progress of suppressing the virus. At the moment, the earliest possible dates for reopening are 26th April for indoor space until 20:00, with no alcohol allowed; outdoor space opens until 22:00, with alcohol sales allowed. Up to 6 people from 3 households can socialise outdoors. Up to 4 people from 2 households can socialise indoors. From the 17th May indoor opening until 22:30 for two-hour slots. Starting from June, hospitality can open both indoors and outdoors until 23:00. Up to 8 people from 3 households can socialise outdoors. Up to 6 people from 3 households can socialise indoors. Table-service only restrictions to remain in place.

Wales

The Welsh Government has announced that there will be another lockdown review on 22 April, at which point they will consider the reopening of outdoor hospitality venues, along with other relaxations. If cases remain under control, all the relaxations considered as part of the review on the 22 April will be phased in by mid-May. The Welsh Government has confirmed that the 10pm curfew will be removed.

Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Executive has published a roadmap for reopening, but no dates are attached to each stage. In first stage one hospitality venues that do not serve alcohol can reopen. In the next stage, premises that serve alcohol can reopen for food only, with table service only for up to six people from two households. Alcohol can be served with a meal. The final stage will be when wet-led pubs can reopen for table service for up to six people from two households.