Pubs reopening: month-long countdown starts for outdoor drinking

When pubs reopened on Saturday, July 4 drinkers took the opportunity to enjoy a pint in the sunshine.

Tables outside The Head of the River in Oxford were packed and many other pubs were busy too, after having put in place new social distancing measures and Covid safe measures including temperature checks outside.

Read again: The future of The Wheatsheaf: Oxford Civic Society boss gives his views

Now the countdown has begun to pubs reopening after lockdown 3 - there is just over a month to go until April 12 when pubs can reopen outside.

A drinker enjoys Super Saturday

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has now confirmed that the government will extend pavement licences for a further 12 months.

And a loophole means pubs and restaurants without gardens will still be allowed to open from April 12.

Under England’s lockdown roadmap, hospitality venues can reopen their doors from this date, so long as they serve customers outside.

They will then be allowed to open indoors May 17.

Drinkers outside the Head of the River on Super Saturday in July

The government is moving to help pubs, restaurants and cafes that do not have gardens or terraces open in April, by making it easier for them to create makeshift outdoor spaces in the street.

They could also use areas like car parks as outdoor dining spaces, with Mr Jenrick saying: “I’m determined that we don’t let red tape to get in the way of a great British summer.”

The Crown in Oxford

In a letter to local authorities, Mr Jenrick confirmed that the government will extend pavement licences for a further 12 months.

This will make it 'easier and cheaper for pubs, restaurants and cafes to continue to make al fresco dining a reality with outside seating, tables and street stalls to serve food and drinks'.

A pavement licence is a licence granted by a local authority, allowing the licence-holder to place removable furniture over certain roads and highways next to the premises.

Read more: Oxford pubs and restaurants reopen for Super Saturday

The government introduced a streamlined and cheaper application process in July last year, to allow businesses to open with social distancing measures still in place.

“The planning changes we put in place last year have been a lifeline to many businesses and they’re here to stay for the summer of 2021,” Mr Jenrick added.

Drinkers queue up outside The Rusty Bicycle

Application fees are capped at £100, and should not take more than 10 working days to approve.

This will allow pubs and restaurants without gardens to prepare a space in time to open on April 12.

Local authorities have been advised to grant licences unless there are 'very good reasons' not to.

Pubs will also be allowed to erect marquees for up to two months without seeking planning permission.

Enjoying a drink on the rooftop terrace at Westgate

“The automatic right to provide takeaways and do deliveries we created at the start of the pandemic is going to continue,” Mr Jenrick confirmed in the letter.

Read again: Richard Madden shoots scenes for new spy drama

Pubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to continue doing this without a specific licence until March 2022.

Drinkers enjoy Super Saturday

The government has been criticised in the past for its efforts to boost trade at pubs and restaurants during the pandemic, including the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Dave Richardson, a spokesman for the Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA, said: "I expect the council will close part of George Street like it did last time and St Michael's Street to allow outdoor tables.

"Of course this won't work for all pubs and some may choose to remain shut completely until May 17 but it's a step in the right direction."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.