Pubs across Oxfordshire today welcomed customers back inside as part of the Government’s timetable for easing lockdown restrictions.

Many pubs are centres of communities and host numerous community activities.

Pubs and restaurants were permitted to serve customers from April 12 but only outside.

Read again: Oxford shops and restaurants reopening

Now it is almost back to 'normal' and customers are once again being allowed to eat and drink inside too.

Witney Community Church members enjoying a meeting at The Plough pub

Witney Community Church members enjoying a meeting at The Plough pub

But there are still a number of rules and regulations to watch out for.

Customers and landlords are expected to follow these rules:

•Groups of up to six - or two households of any size - are allowed inside

•Groups seated outside may have up to 30 people

•Landlords are expected to make sure all customers over 16 check in with NHS track and trace, or provide contact details

Dan Pennington at The Royal Blenheim in Oxford on St Georges Day

Dan Pennington at The Royal Blenheim in Oxford on St George's Day

•People still need to order, eat and drink while seated, where alcohol is served

•When not seated - for example when being shown to a table, or going to the toilet - customers must wear face coverings

Read more: High Sheriff wants to reward Covid heroes

•Social distancing between groups is encouraged

•Capacity is restricted to what is possible with social distancing and table service

The government hopes to lift all restrictions from June 21 but this date could be pushed back due to the spread of the Indian variant of coronavirus.

There is currently no legal requirement for customers to prove their Covid or vaccination status to access hospitality.

Andrew Hill at The Red Lion pub in Britwell Salome in 2015

Andrew Hill at The Red Lion pub in Britwell Salome in 2015

However, the government has said it will be legal for businesses to ask customers for proof if they wish to - as long as they do not break equality laws.

Read more: Best Oxford pubs with outside heating

The Prime Minister has said there will be more details before the end of May about "what role there could be, if any," for Covid certificates and social distancing when lockdown is due to be eased further in England, on June 21.