Social distancing must be implemented as pubs and restaurants reopen

CIEH has urged pubs and restaurants to maintain vigilance and implement government guidance on social distancing as they reopen in England this weekend.

Having been closed since March to stem the spread of COVID-19, pubs, bars and restaurants in England are permitted to reopen from Saturday 4 July.

In anticipation of a very busy weekend for the hospitality industry, CIEH has called for calm and for proprietors to focus on implementing social distancing and other essential public health guidance.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should remain two metres apart where possible but a "one metre plus" rule on social distancing would now be introduced.

Debbie Wood, Executive Director for Membership and External Affairs at CIEH said:

“The reopening of pubs, bars and restaurants is obviously good news for businesses and something that many people have been looking forward to for some time.

However, it is vital to remember that COVID-19 has not gone away and is still poses a considerable public health risk. The impacts of reopening businesses are not yet known, and precaution must be taken to avoid any resurgence in the virus and a possible second spike.

We are calling on pubs, bars and restaurants to keep in mind their responsibilities and ensure that social distancing and other public health measures are properly followed and enforced.

Whilst social distancing guidance has been reduced to one metre plus in England, it is still essential that this is adhered to and that the UK Government is prepared to reverse this decision if cases rise.”