Alliance welcomes news that pubs could be set to reopen next month

It has been reported extensively in the national press that pubs could be allowed to reopen as early as next month.

The story comes after the Prime Minister asked Government scientists to review the two-metre social distancing rule in the 'hope' it can be reduced.

Pubs and restaurants have been closed across the UK since the government introduced a lockdown at the end of March to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs yesterday that he hopes to allow pubs and restaurants to re-open earlier than July 4 - the date which had originally been set down in the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

Speaking at the Liaison Committee yesterday, the Prime Minister offered hope that people will soon be able to enjoy a drink in a beer garden or outdoor space.

He said: "On hospitality... we are really trying to go as fast as we can. It is really difficult to bring forward hospitality measures in a way that involves social distancing. But I am much more optimistic about that than I was. We may be able to do things faster than I previously thought."

The Countryside Alliance has been pushing for the safe reopening of rural pubs with gardens and outdoor space with an aim of boosting the countryside economy. In a piece for The Telegraph, Alliance President Baroness Mallalieu said: "Pubs and cafes should be able to make use of the takeaway rules and also be able to serve alcoholic beverages and other drinks, subject to social distancing rules, with the use of beer gardens, car parks and other outside areas explicitly permitted."

Read our thought piece on the importance of pubs, following the Covid-19 lockdown, which we wrote back in March.

Speaking in response to the Prime Minister's comments, Mo Metcalf- Fisher of the Alliance said: " Pubs form part of the backbone of many rural communities and have a key role in the fight against social isolation and loneliness. The Alliance have been keen to push this. This is potentially really promising news and would be most welcome."

Many rural pubs have taken to delivering essential produce to locals while offering a take-away menu alongside beverages. As is the case with many villages across the UK, there can often be limited or no shops in the nearby area and public transport has been out of the question for some of the most vulnerable.

The Countryside Alliance will continue to monitor developments closely and update members as and when we receive official updates.