Pubs could remain shut until May, under current lockdown restrictions

It could be nearly five months until your next pint

It has been reported that pubs in England could be closed until May, as the current lockdown continues. A source told The Sunday Times that "the May Day bank holiday is more likely the moment you see pubs reopening." Under the current lockdown restrictions, hospitality venues including cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can offer takeaway food and non-alcoholic drinks until 11pm - but not alcoholic drinks. That means takeaway pints - a common sight during the summer of 2020 - are not permitted. All food and drink - including alcohol - can continue to be provided by delivery at present. Under the previous system of tiers, pubs in Tier 1 could still open under the 'rule of six' for household mixing. This has now changed as England has entered another national lockdown. People in England are now being told to stay at home, and only go out for essential purposes, such as food shopping or medical reasons. They are also being told to work from home if it is possible to do so.

A message from @CMO_England Professor Chris Whitty on #coronavirus#COVID19 is spreading across the country, putting many at risk and placing pressure on the #NHS As we roll out vaccines, it is vital that we all continue to stay at home to: ▶️ protect the NHS ▶️ save lives pic.twitter.com/uc22i59L0U

— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 8, 2021

The latest media campaign from the government is urging people to "act like you've got it". The future looks bleak for many hospitality venues, with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) calling the ban on takeaway pints during the lockdown as a "death knell for many pubs". "This will once again provide an unfair advantage to supermarkets and off-licences that don’t face similar restrictions," said CAMRA chairman Nik Antona.