We’ve all been fed a steady diet of statistics in the past year: deaths, infections, vaccinations, economic losses…all adding up (sorry, couldn’t resist) to a banquet of facts and figures.
We can’t doubt the importance and relevance of these stats, but there comes a point where even the most ardent collector of facts begins to wilt. Maybe what he or she needs is a refreshing glass of something served in a pub or restaurant. And from this Monday, April 12, the bar is open again as Step Two of the gradual easing of lockdown comes into force.
The patio heaters will be turned up, the marquees, canvas covers and screens will be erected and the social distancing systems triple-checked before Monday and its anticipated rush of punters
Speaking of facts, nobody in possession of a drinks licence needs reminding of the restrictions and permissible circumstances surrounding this long-yearned-for reopening. Documents will have been studied, experts consulted and staff primed ahead of the big day – though if you have any questions, Complete Licensing can answer anything and everything pertaining to your licence.
This phase of the return to ‘something like normality’ limits licensees to outside service, which means that roughly 15,000 of England’s pubs and a similar percentage (around a third) of the almost 30,000 restaurants will be welcoming thirsty and hungry customers.
The patio heaters will be turned up, the marquees, canvas covers and screens will be erected and the social distancing systems triple-checked before Monday and its anticipated rush of punters.
Local councils have been encouraged to help licensees overcome logistical issues by ushering through temporary outside seating arrangements (again, something we at Complete Licensing can help with). But pub and restaurant proprietors have been getting creative to keep their customers satisfied and in situ. Car parks have been transformed into beer gardens, approach roads lined with well-distanced tables and outside storage areas converted into bijou patios.
Everyone – on either side of the bar – is licking their lips at the thought of opening time, so let’s raise a glass to those who want to spend their hard-earned money on a drink, and those who are supplying it. Cheers…