STRICT safety measures will be in place at pubs and eateries in the borough as the hospitality trade reopens to the public today.

All pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants have been closed since March in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

But today, bars and eateries across the country will now be allowed to reopen if they follow strict guidelines that will help keep the virus from growing.

Guidance for licence holders was published by the government last Wednesday.

It requires licensees across the country to carry out a risk assessment on their own premises in line with this national document.

Expert officers from Barrow Borough Council have offered extra support to businesses in the area as they adopt new working practices to meet the safety requirements laid down.

Councillor Tony Callister, Barrow Borough Council spokesperson for licensing and public protection, said: “As with the reopening of non-essential shops just a couple of weeks ago, it is up to licensees to form their own operational plans based on their individual premises, their business and how they can adapt their operation to meet the criteria laid out by the government.

“Our licensing team have offered additional advice and support to businesses in the borough in light of the guidelines and are happy to help anyone who gets in touch."

Customers should be seated while inside and will not be able to stand by the bar once they have received their order. Entertainment such as live sports broadcasts and music within the premises is also not permitted.

Customers will also have to give basic details on arrival at a venue including their name, phone number and email address to make NHS contact tracing easier if another customer contracts the virus.

Failure to provide this vital information could result in refusal of entry.

In a bid to help businesses in the hospitality sector during this uneasy time the government has

also relaxed the two-metre social distance rule to ‘one-metre plus’.

Customers are asked to be aware of the following based upon current government guidelines:

● Nightclubs must remain closed.

● Many businesses will be closing no later than midnight

● Entertainment within premises is not permitted, including live sports broadcasts and live

music.

● No dancing is allowed

● Everyone inside must be seated and most places will be offering table/app service

● You may need to wait longer to use toilet facilities

● Indoors, groups are limited to 6 people only from a maximum of 2 households (or

support bubbles).

● Outdoors, groups are also limited to a maximum of 6 people but can be from any

number of households. You will need to socially distance from those outside of your

household or support bubble

● No indoor sport will take place, including darts and pool

● Tables and seating will be separated to aid social distancing

● All premises will be operating at reduced capacity so you may need to queue prior to entering the premises

Advice from Barrow Borough Council’s Public Protection Team is available via commercial@barrowbc.gov.uk