It is still "too early to say" whether the reopening of indoor hospitality can take place on May 17th because of the risk of Covid variants, according to the Environment Minister.
A new charter, "Open for All", has been signed by more than 60 restaurant owners and other hospitality figures, telling Boris Johnson that they will not force customers to show Covid passports.
The unpredictable weather has not stopped Brits from visiting shops and pubs this afternoon, as the Government's lockdown was partially eased.
As if Government restrictions around the reopening of pubs weren't enough, customers in parts of the UK will have to endure snow, sleet and single-digit temperatures in order to taste their regained "freedoms" outdoors.
A large proportion of hospitality businesses won't be able to open on Monday because they lack sufficient outdoor space. Even those venues that will reopen are not expected to achieve anything like normal revenues.
Plans to force people to show vaccine passports when going to a pub or restaurant have been ditched. Proof of a Covid jab or test will, however, still be required when attending festivals and sports events.
Why is it that pubs and restaurants cannot open at the same time as "non-essential" shops? Matt Hancock has been ordered to the High Court to justify this decision, following legal action by Sacha Lord and Hugh Osmond.
In yet another blow to the hospitality industry, the Government has announced that all customers at pubs, restaurants and cafes must provide contact details (either written or via the NHS Test and Trace app) on entry.
The Government is facing legal action over its plan to keep hospitality venues closed for weeks longer than "non-essential" shops. Challengers say there is “no evidence or justification" for this decision.
The Times has published the latest instalment in Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott’s new book, laying the blame for Covid's second wave at the feet of Chancellor Rishi Sunak. But is that fair?
