RULES for pubs are set to change again from Monday as the government pushes ahead with the final stage of lockdown easing.
Chains including Greene King, Wetherspoon and Young’s have revealed what “freedom day” will mean for drinkers.
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Pubs will look more normal than they have in almost 18 months from Monday.
The legal requirement for face coverings will be dropped from July 19, as will rules around social distancing.
Punters will be allowed to drink standing up and to order at the bar once again.
But it’s unlikely that pubs will bounce straight back into pre-pandemic life.
Businesses can ask customers and staff to wear masks and some people might feel more comfortable keeping their face covering.
Many pubs will continue to offer app ordering and table service and the option to use NHS track and trace will also remain.
This is what the major pub chains have said about what to expect on Monday so far.
Young’s
Young’s has said it will no longer ask staff or customers to wear masks in the pub.
A spokesperson said: “We will leave it to them to decide for themselves to or not to wear a mask”.
It will continue to accept orders through its Young’s app, but customers will also be able to get a drink at the bar.
Gone are the days of booking a table in advance, as punters will be able to find a spot to stand and drink.
There will be no restrictions on capacity, and Young’s said it does not expect to use Covid passports for large events or on busier evenings.
All Young’s pubs will maintain their ramped up cleaning regimes, and make sure there is good ventilation.
Fuller’s
Fuller’s said customers that want to stick to Covid restrictions such as mask-wearing and table service will be able to.
But face coverings will be optional for both staff and customers and drinkers will also be able to stand and order at the bar
A spokesperson for Fuller’s said: “Pubs have always been about spontaneity and flexibility – and we are looking forward to welcoming our customers back for a great pub experience.”
Greene King
Greene King said the easiest way to order is through its app, but added that customers can order at the bar if they prefer.
It will also continue to display the Test & Trace QR code for those that want to use it.
Masks won’t be required but Greene King acknowledged that they are encouraged in busy spaces.
The pub chain said customers and teams might want to continue to wear them for their own peace of mind.
A Greene King spokesperson said: “With confirmation from the government that restrictions will be relaxed on 19 July, we can finally look forward to getting back to what we do best and bringing back the pub experience that our customers have missed so much.
“While we will be loosening restrictions, such as social distancing, we will continue to follow government guidance on safety and will be retaining our Pub Safe promises, which include enhanced cleaning, to ensure that our customers and team members feel safe in our pubs.”
Wetherspoon
Wetherspoons has confirmed that customers will be able to order at the bar again from Monday.
Drinkers will also be able to continue to use the Wetherspoons app if they prefer.
It’s not yet clear what rules there will be on wearing masks and social distancing inside Wetherspoons pubs.
However, it is likely that it will be up to individual customers and staff to decide whether they want to wear a mask.
Mitchells & Butlers
Mitchells & Butlers is the owner of many popular pub chains, including Harvester, Toby Carvery, Nicholson’s and All Bar One.
The company said it will continue with its boosted cleaning regime across all of its venues.
Hand sanitiser will also still be offered to customers.
The option to check in with NHS track and trace will remain, but it won’t be mandatory.
Face masks will be a “personal choice” for staff and punters, and standing up drinking will be allowed.
The company said it will “continue to encourage guests to use our convenient order and pay at table apps”.
However, customers will continue to be served at their tables at Toby Carvery, Stonehouse Carvery Deck and Harvester Salad Bar.
A spokesperson said: “Our venues in Scotland and Wales will continue to adhere to table service, social distancing, group size limits and face covering requirements in line with local government regulations.”
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