Pubs and restaurants reopen as public health chief urges care

Pubs, restaurants and cafes across Birmingham are reopening this weekend for the first time since lockdown began in March, and the city's director of public health is urging people to enjoy themselves safely.

Hospitality venues can welcome customers again from Saturday 4 July, as long as they meet the government's Covid-secure guidance.

"Covid-19 is still a risk"

Dr Justin Varney, director of public health at Birmingham City Council, said people needed to remember that the virus had not gone away.

"With non-essential retail already up and running and the hospitality industry preparing to reopen its doors, it feels like things are changing but we must remember Covid-19 is still a risk," he said.

"We have seen elsewhere what happens when social distancing is ignored, and we need to learn from that and avoid a second peak or local lockdown. We don't want to stop people supporting the economy; we just want them to do it in a safe and secure way."

The rules

From 4 July, people should still keep two metres apart wherever possible. In places such as pubs and restaurants, where that cannot always be done, the distance can be reduced to "one metre plus", with extra measures in place to reduce the risk.

People should only mix with one other household at a time indoors, with no more than six people in total. Outdoors, more than six people can meet, but still only from two households.

Face coverings must be worn on public transport and are recommended in small buildings and when moving around the city. People are also being asked to keep to the left and follow any markings.

In pubs, restaurants and cafes, customers can expect table service, ordering through apps and contactless payments. Venues will also be asking for customers' contact details to support the NHS Test and Trace service.

"A marathon, not a sprint"

"We have all waited a long time for pubs, restaurants and cafes to return and we want to ensure that the doors don't close as quickly as they have reopened," Dr Varney said.

"It's important to balance support for the economy with support for the health of ourselves and others. Coming out of lockdown is a marathon, not a sprint, so please enjoy the weekend whilst remaining mindful of the repercussions."

A lifeline for the city

For Birmingham's hospitality sector, the reopening is a lifeline after more than three months with its doors shut. The city centre, Broad Street, the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth and the high streets of suburbs such as Moseley, Kings Heath and Harborne are home to hundreds of bars, restaurants and cafes employing thousands of people.

Many venues have spent weeks preparing, installing screens, rearranging tables and training staff in new procedures. Some owners say trade will take a long time to recover, with fewer tables and nervous customers.

Hairdressers, cinemas, museums and hotels are also among the businesses allowed to reopen from this weekend. The council is asking people to plan ahead, book where they can and be patient with staff who are adapting to a very different way of working.