The Liberal Democrats in association with the Oxford branch of CAMRA have called on the council to to immediately prepare to give pubs in Oxford permission to open outdoor service areas when restrictions are eased.

The party has called for the move to ensure that pubs have enough time to prepare for the logistics of outdoor service so they can take full advantage financially in the safest possible way.

Four pubs - The Lamb & Flag, The White Horse, The Bear, and the Gardener’s Arms in North Down Parade - have been named as potential pubs that would benefit from being able to operate socially distanced outdoor services.

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Dave Richardson, Press & Publicity Officer for Oxford Campaign For Real Ale, said: "Having outside space was a lifeline for city pubs last year, as without it pubs such as the Bear, White Horse and Grapes would not have been able to open. The success of the pedestrianised areas in George Street, St Michael's Street, and Broad Street proves that the public really appreciates the opportunity to support pubs that can trade safely.

"The last 11 months have been a nightmare for pubs and breweries, which sadly could result in many permanent closures. While pubs look to the budget to offer them the ongoing financial support they all too clearly need, they look to their local authority to do all it can to make any level of trading possible. Without outdoor space, some pubs could be doomed."

An Oxford City Council spokesperson said: “Last year we pedestrianised or part-pedestrianised streets across Oxford to provide outdoor seating areas for more than 30 pubs, restaurants and cafes. This included George Street, Broad Street, St Michael’s Street, Dawson Street and Observatory Street. Many of the businesses said they would not have reopened after lockdown without this support. Working with Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, we are looking to pedestrianise or part-pedestrianise further streets to support businesses in the future.”

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