Since the lifting of restrictions on 8th March, there have been joyous scenes up and down the country of people enjoying a pint in pub gardens and visiting their favourite outdoor venues. The relief is palpable – at a local lido, one lifeguard said they were “ecstatic” to be back to work, and excited for when “we can allow more swimmers, and socialise indoors for a change”.
Despite furlough schemes and increased government loans and grants, UKHospitality estimated that over 640,000 jobs were lost within the hospitality sector; another study by CGA and AlixPartners suggested that around 10,000 licensed premises had closed in the last 12 months. The easing of restrictions is the light at the end of a long tunnel, and many hope this will be the final lockdown, as plans are made to allow gatherings of greater number and indoors. The “start and stop” trading has been said to be “deadly”, especially for smaller local businesses – communities are calling for better communication and infrastructure to cushion the damage to local economies.
The next restrictions are hoped to be lifted “no earlier” than May 17th, where people can meet in up to groups of 30, pubs and restaurants can provide indoor seating, and international travel can resume. The hope for many is that business will receive a boon from the socially-starved public, and will be able to return to normal operation shortly. The first openings were smooth and give optimism for further freedoms.
