Pub rules after July 19 explained including masks, table service and track and trace

BRITS can order from the bar again and ditch checking in at the local boozer from July 19 as Covid rules finally lift.

Boris Johnson is expected to confirm today that Covid rules such as mask-wearing and social distancing can end next week.

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The Prime Minister will make a statement in the House of Commons athis afternoon, before addressing the nation at a press conference later this afternoon at around 5pm.

Johnson will push ahead with easing lockdown rules despite fears over rising cases of the Delta variant.

Last week, the Prime Minister outlined plans for “freedom day” and will reveal this afternoon that the final stage of lockdown easing can go ahead.

In a big boost to Britain’s boozers, social distancing rules will be lifted meaning pubs can let more punters in.

Table service only rules will be axed, which means pubs will be able to serve customers at the bar again.

Plus, you won’t have to check into venues by scanning a QR code using the Test and Trace app.

Mask-wearing will be made voluntary from July 19, meaning punters may not have to wear face coverings when inside a pub and not at their table.

But Brits might still have to follow a number of rules, despite the PM lifting restrictions.

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Businesses won’t be fined for not enforcing the Covid-secure measures, but some may choose continue to follow them.

Hospitality chiefs have warned that councillors may aim to keep restrictions in place while people get their second jabs.

The PM said last week that we must “balance the risk” of the disease from the virus and the harm from continuing with legal restrictions, such as people’s livelihoods and mental health.

Pubs and bars including Wetherspoons have been forced to close venues at short-notice because staff are being told to self-isolate by the NHS app.

A raft of boozers have therefore been unable to open due to staffing issues, despite desperately trying to claw back cash lost due to the Covid crisis.

The lifting of social distancing measures will also come as good news to pub bosses, who estimated they were missing out on £5million of sales during previous Euro 2020 matches due to the rules.

What are the rules now?

Until July 19, you’ll still have to stick to the rules in place when visiting your local pub.

These include groups of up to six people can meet up inside pubs, bars and restaurants.

Groups of up to 30 people can now drink together outside, though this may be limited by capacity at some locations.

You also have to stay at your table to get food or drink.

At venues which don’t serve alcohol, customers can order and pick up food or drinks (non-alcoholic) from a counter, but it must be eaten while seated.

Many pubs have put contactless ordering systems in place, such as using apps and QR codes for menus and ordering to reduce contact between customers and staff.

Staff have to wear PPE such as face masks and gloves when they are providing service.

Customers have to wear face masks when they are inside, for example when going to the toilet.

You can take it off when you are sat down at your table though.

This applies to everyone apart from those who are exempt – for example, if you have a disability or illness that makes you less able to wear one.

Every pub-goer must now also check in with the NHS Covid app to get a pint.

This also means that pub-goers will be told to book a test immediately if they sit near Covid drinker in a pub.

Social distancing remains in place in pubs, bars and restaurants with signage in place to remind customers.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk