LONDON (UK) – Customers in England’s pubs will have to provide their name before ordering a pint, and there will be no live acts or standing at the bar, the government announced ahead of the sector’s re-opening next month.
Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers have to maintain a record of customers for 21 days to assist the state health service’s test and trace operation, which aims to identify and contain any local flare ups of COVID-19 and stop a second wave of infections.
The government said live performances, including drama, comedy and music, will also not be allowed in pubs.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday pubs, restaurants and hotels could reopen in England on July 4, easing the coronavirus lockdown.
He also announced reducing the social distancing norm from 2 metres to 1 metre, which many see will allow pubs and restaurants to re-open.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said 75% of pubs in England – 28,000 in total – would be able to reopen. Under 2 metre social distancing rules, only a third of England’s pubs – 12,500 – would have been able to reopen.
“As an industry we will be doing everything we can to ensure both our customers and staff are safe in our pubs,” BBPA Chief Executive Emma McClarkin said.
“We do have significant concerns over the collection and storage of personal customer data when visiting the pub.”
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field