Hospitality businesses in Southport are starting a one-week countdown to when they will finally be able to welcome back customers inside their premises. 

Pubs, restaurants and cafes across England with suitable outdoor spaces have been able to serve people since 12th April. 

However this has only been practical for some businesses, with many in our town having to remain closed. 

Later today, the Prime Minister is due to announce a major loosening of Covid restrictions in the next step in the roadmap out of lockdown. 

Boris Johnson will use a 5pm briefing at Downing Street today to confirm a significant relaxation of rules from next Monday (17th May), saying that the success of the vaccine rollout has given him room to manoeuvre.

With one in three adults now having had two Covid vaccinations, friends and relatives will also be able to hug for the first time in a year.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes across England will be able to seat customers inside again. And gatherings of up to six people or two households will be allowed indoors.

Hotels, B&Bs, cinemas, theatres and museums are to reopen while limits on funeral mourners will be scrapped.

Legislation in the Queen’s Speech tomorrow (Tuesday 11th May) will be directed at the recovery from Covid-19, backing the NHS and spreading opportunity.

For more details about Southport BID please visit their website at southportbid.com or southportindependents.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Linked In on @southportBID