Super Saturday: Pints, weddings and trims as England lockdown lifts

NewsroomJuly 4, 2020

73 2 minutes read

The first pints have been poured, hair has been trimmed and couples can say "I do" in front of friends and family on what has been dubbed "Super Saturday".

A major easing of the coronavirus lockdown measures, which came into force on 23 March, means thousands of pubs, restaurants, bars, hairdressers and cinemas across England are finally able to open their doors once again.

It is the biggest relaxation of the restrictions yet, although with modified social distancing conditions still in place.

Image: You can now go on the Oblivion rollercoaster at Alton Towers – but you'll need to wear a face mask

One of the first pints to be served inside a pub for more than three months — Image: Pubs and bars were able to reopen at 6am

However, with pubs allowed to reopen at 6am today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has urged people to stick to the rules and warned that jail could be an option for those who get carried away.

Mr Hancock told the Daily Mail that people were entitled to enjoy themselves at pubs, but added: "You could end up behind bars if you break the law."

He has said he would not "shirk" from shutting pubs and restaurants again and imposing local lockdowns if needed.

A hair stylist wears a PPE facemask as she works at a hair salon in Birkenhead, north west England on July 4, 2020. - Hairdressers can welcome back the public as part of a wider government plan to relaunch the hospitality, tourism and culture sectors and help the UK economy recover from more than three tough months of lockdown — Image: Hair salons are among the businesses that have been able to reopen from today

Some of the things you can do from today

Gatherings of two different households can take place indoors, providing social distancing is maintained
The two-metre social distancing rule relaxed to "one-metre plus"
Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, barbers, bingo halls, community centres, hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, outdoor gyms, playgrounds, places of worship and most leisure facilities and tourist attractions can open
Wedding services of up to 30 people will be allowed, but couples are advised not to have food, drink or singing
All reopened premises will have to introduce a range of safety measures to ensure they are "COVID secure"

Here's what's still off the agenda

Despite the relaxation on lockdown measures, statistics from the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) suggest 31% of bars, pubs and restaurants will remain closed today, with some businesses saying they are "scared" of cases of the virus increasing.