Bars are hoping for a positive start to 2022 as New Year's Eve parties are given the go-ahead.

In a move welcomed by hospitality bosses, Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced there will be no curbs on social mixing beyond the current Plan B measures before then end of 2021. However, new measures could be introduced in January.

Oxford bars, pubs and clubs are now preparing for New Year's Eve after a month of cancelled bookings due to the fast spread of the Omicron variant.

Manager at The Bullingdon, Paul Williams is thrilled to be hosting a New Year's Eve event this year and said he has stopped worrying about potential Covid restrictions.

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The club will be seeing 2022 in with reggae and soul as Count Skylarkin and Friends will be keeping party goers dancing well into the early hours.

Mr Williams said: "We are very happy that we get to stay open. We will be open until 6am if not beyond that."

He added: "We just don't get concerned anymore, we just plan. There is no point in worrying about things that could happen you just have to keep on going. After the first year of trying to predict what is happening there is no point anymore."

Some Oxford pubs have not planned any big celebrations this year, but are confident for what the new year holds.

Oxford Mail:

The St Aldates Tavern doesn't have any big events planned for New Year's Eve, but it will be open for those who want to count down to 2022.

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Supervisor James Gomersall said: "We are open for as long as there are people here, we plan to just play it by ear."

He added: "We are pretty confident that there will be no new restrictions yet, but after the new year, who knows."

Oxford Mail: Outside tables at The Bear Inn Picture: Dave Richardson

The Bear Inn will not be hosting any special event for New Year's Eve, but it will stay open for people out on New Year's Day walks who want to stop for food and drink.

Assistant manager Charlie Richards said: "Regardless of the pandemic we always shut early on New Year's Eve anyway. We are usually closed by 8pm every single year."

Staff at the pub are confident for 2022 and feel prepared for whatever hurdles the pandemic brings.

Mr Richards added: "We have a massive marquee so if they did introduce any new restrictions and if it was case of serving outdoors, we would be in a really good position for that with our amazing garden. We are fairly prepared for whatever happens and we hope at the very least the pubs stay open in some way."

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