It’s been a tough year for pubs but staff have done their best to keep going, with some pubs serving takeaways to customers during the coronavirus lockdowns which have hit trade.
There was hope at the beginning of July that better times were ahead as pubs and restaurants were officially allowed to reopen yesterday for the first time since March, along with hairdressers and cinemas as lockdown restrictions were eased.
A drinker on Super Saturday
Pubs in Oxford were busy on Super Saturday in July when pubs were allowed to reopen.
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Staff made sure social distancing and other coronavirus safety measures were in place so venues could reopen.
Temperature checks at The White Rabbit in July
But hospitality venues were only given a few months reprieve before tiered restrictions and a second lockdown in November.
Oxford is now under tier restrictions which means hospitality venues have to stay closed.
Pubs in the latest Tier 4 measures can continue to provide takeaway and delivery services while closed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that areas across the south would be moving into Tier four, forcing many to change their plans for the festive period.
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Hospitality businesses such as pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars and social clubs, must close with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway, click and collect, drive through or delivery services.
The Head of the River in July
Accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites have to close, unless it is someone’s main residence where the person cannot return home, or for providing accommodation or support to the homeless, or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes.
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