This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52977388

The article has changed 19 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Coronavirus: When will pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants reopen? Coronavirus: When will pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants reopen?
(12 days later)
Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in England may soon be able to reopen their doors for the first time since lockdown began in March. Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in England may soon be able to reopen their doors for the first time since lockdown began in March. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to confirm if the hospitality sector can reopen on 4 July.
But despite the easing of restrictions, a trip to a local bar or dining establishment could be a very different experience from how it was before coronavirus. Mr Johnson is also expected to announce 2m (6ft) social distancing in England will be relaxed, with some conditions.
But despite the easing of restrictions, a trip to a local bar or place to eat could be a very different experience from how it was before the coronavirus outbreak.
When will reopening begin?When will reopening begin?
In its recovery strategy document published on 11 May, the government said that the hospitality sector - which includes pubs, bars and restaurants - could start to reopen "no earlier than 4 July", if Covid-19 safety guidelines could be met. In its plan published on 11 May, the government said that the hospitality sector - which includes pubs, bars and restaurants - could start to reopen "no earlier than 4 July", if Covid-19 safety guidelines could be met.
The government has yet to announce details of what these guidelines would be, but they're expected to include rules on social distancing, heightened hygiene procedures and protection of bar and restaurant staff. It has yet to announce details of what these guidelines would be, but they are expected to include rules on social distancing, heightened hygiene procedures and protection of bar and restaurant staff.
It will provide "further safer working guidance" for restaurants, pubs and bars "as soon as we can", Business Secretary Alok Sharma said during Tuesday's coronavirus briefing.
What are the rules now?What are the rules now?
On 20 March, all pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes were asked to shut in order to stop the spread of coronavirus On 20 March, all pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes were asked to shut in order to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The only exceptions to this were cafes and canteens at a few selected places such as schools, hospitals and prisons.The only exceptions to this were cafes and canteens at a few selected places such as schools, hospitals and prisons.
Since then, many restaurants have started offering food delivery and takeaways in order to generate income while their doors are closed. Some pubs have also been allowed to offer takeaway beers.Since then, many restaurants have started offering food delivery and takeaways in order to generate income while their doors are closed. Some pubs have also been allowed to offer takeaway beers.
What about the rest of the UK?What about the rest of the UK?
Each nation of the UK is setting its own rules for the reopening of food and drink outlets: Each nation is setting its own rules for the reopening of food and drink outlets:
What are the main obstacles to reopening?What are the main obstacles to reopening?
The chief worry for many people in the hospitality industry is the issue of social distancing. Some have insisted that the current 2m distancing rule makes it impossible for bars, cafes and restaurants to make a profit. The chief worry for many people in the hospitality industry is the issue of social distancing. Some have insisted that the current 2m social distancing makes it impossible for bars, cafes and restaurants to make a profit.
Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of the industry body UK Hospitality, says that with a 2m rule, outlets would be only able to make about 30% of normal revenues, whereas 1m would increase that to 60-75%.Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of the industry body UK Hospitality, says that with a 2m rule, outlets would be only able to make about 30% of normal revenues, whereas 1m would increase that to 60-75%.
Some Conservative MPs have added their support for reducing social distancing, and the prime minister said on 10 June that the 2m rule was "under constant review". Some Conservative MPs have added their support for reducing social distancing, and the prime minister said on 10 June that the 2m guidance was "under constant review".
What other measures could be taken?What other measures could be taken?
The Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca says it is considering a range of measures to keep staff and workers safe amid the pandemic. At the weekend, Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested people visiting pubs may have to register before going for a pint.
He said the government is looking at ways to strengthen contact tracing, as the economy reopens.
The Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca says it is considering a range of measures to keep staff and workers safe.
Customers are likely to be given the option of ordering food on apps, while staff will be encouraged to wash their hands every 20 minutes.Customers are likely to be given the option of ordering food on apps, while staff will be encouraged to wash their hands every 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Wetherspoons pub chain has said its staff will be provided with face masks and protective eyewear and it will run a reduced food menu.Meanwhile, the Wetherspoons pub chain has said its staff will be provided with face masks and protective eyewear and it will run a reduced food menu.
Bottles of ketchup and mayonnaise will be replaced by individual sachets. Customers will also be encouraged to sit outside in pub gardens, while some indoor seating areas will be separated by Perspex screens.Bottles of ketchup and mayonnaise will be replaced by individual sachets. Customers will also be encouraged to sit outside in pub gardens, while some indoor seating areas will be separated by Perspex screens.
How is the hospitality sector coping during lockdown?How is the hospitality sector coping during lockdown?
The hospitality sector was the third-largest employer in the country in 2018, according to UK Hospitality.The hospitality sector was the third-largest employer in the country in 2018, according to UK Hospitality.
But many restaurants and cafes were already struggling even before the Covid-19 outbreak, in the face of rising rents and falling consumer spending.But many restaurants and cafes were already struggling even before the Covid-19 outbreak, in the face of rising rents and falling consumer spending.
Since lockdown began, job cuts and closures have been announced by chains such as Frankie & Benny's and Carluccio's.Since lockdown began, job cuts and closures have been announced by chains such as Frankie & Benny's and Carluccio's.
Thousands of workers in the industry have been furloughed under the government's job retention scheme, which allows them to receive 80% of their monthly salary up to £2,500.Thousands of workers in the industry have been furloughed under the government's job retention scheme, which allows them to receive 80% of their monthly salary up to £2,500.
What have other countries done?What have other countries done?
Many other countries have already reopened restaurants, bars and cafes around the world. In some cases they have had the use of lower social distancing recommendations - in France, for example, the recommended distance between customer and staff is 1m.Many other countries have already reopened restaurants, bars and cafes around the world. In some cases they have had the use of lower social distancing recommendations - in France, for example, the recommended distance between customer and staff is 1m.