Pub rules ditched: Brits can order from the bar again and QR codes check in scrapped from July 19

BRITS can order from the bar again and ditch checking in at the local boozer from July 19 as Covid rules finally lift. Boris Johnson announced to the nation this evening that “freedom day” will be rolled out as planned in two weeks time. In a big boost to Britain’s boozers, social distancing rules will […]

BRITS can order from the bar again and ditch checking in at the local boozer from July 19 as Covid rules finally lift.

Boris Johnson announced to the nation this evening that “freedom day” will be rolled out as planned in two weeks time.

Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest updates

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Social distancing will be scrapped on July 19 and punters can order at the bar in some cases[/caption]

In a big boost to Britain’s boozers, social distancing rules will be lifted meaning pubs can let more punters in.

Table service only rules will be axed, which means pubs will be able to serve customers at the bar again.

Plus, you won’t have to check into venues by scanning a QR code using the Test and Trace app.

It comes as pubs including Wetherspoons have been forced to close venues at short-notice because staff are being told to self-isolate by the NHS app.

A raft of boozers have therefore been unable to open due to staffing issues, despite desperately trying to claw back cash lost due to the Covid crisis.

The lifting of social distancing measures will also come as good news to pub bosses, who estimated they were missing out on £5million of sales during previous Euro 2020 matches due to the rules.

Mask-wearing will be made voluntary from July 19, meaning punters may not have to wear face coverings when inside a pub and not at their table.

But Brits might still have to follow a number of rules, despite the PM lifting restrictions.

Hospitality chiefs have warned that councillors may aim to keep restrictions in place while people get their second jabs.

It means some pubs may keep table service and mask wearing in place – even after the rules have been lifted.

So although it won’t be a legal requirement to follow the rules, you may find you won’t be let into your local boozer if you refuse to keep to measures in place.

We’ve asked Britain’s biggest boozers whether they’ll be scrapping the rules or keeping them in place from July 19.

Wetherspoons said it “welcomes with open arms any sign of normality”, but would be looking into whether to relax the rules.

What are the rules now?

Until July 19, you’ll still have to stick to the rules in place when visiting your local pub.

You might also have to stick to a number of these rules even when freedom day rolls out.

Your local council still might keep a number of rules in place until all Brits are jabbed – and it’s down to businesses too whether they axe the rules.

Here’s what you can and can’t do at the pub right now:

Rule of six inside and up to 30 outside

Groups of up to six people can meet up inside pubs, bars and restaurants.

Groups of up to 30 people can now drink together outside, though this may be limited by capacity at some locations.

Table service

You’ll have to stay at your table to get food or drink.

At venues which don’t serve alcohol, customers can order and pick up food or drinks (non-alcoholic) from a counter, but it must be eaten while seated.

Many pubs have put contactless ordering systems in place, such as using apps and QR codes for menus and ordering.

This means contact is reduced between staff and customers and keeps everyone safer.

Relaxed limits on customers

There are no limits imposed by the government on how long drinkers and diners can stay.

Currently, many pubs have slots of a couple of hours per booking and this may continue.

It is up to a venue on whether they wish to impose a booking policy.

Staff wearing masks and gloves

Staff have to wear face masks and gloves when they are providing service.

Customers have to wear face masks when they are inside, for example when going to the toilet.

You can take it off when you are sat down at your table though.

This applies to everyone apart from those who are exempt – for example, if you have a disability or illness that makes you less able to wear one.

Check in with the NHS app

Every pub-goer must now check in with the NHS Covid app to get a pint.

This also means that pub-goers will be told to book a test immediately if they sit near Covid drinker in a pub.

Social distancing

Social distancing remains in place in pubs, bars and restaurants with signage in place to remind customers.

Social distancing between family and friends is no longer mandatory, though people are being told to remain cautious.

It means hugs with family and friends when you see them is allowed.

Brits can return to the office from July 19.

Party-goers can let their hair down in nightclubs, gigs and house parties when rules lift.

Here’s what you need to know about the PM’s speech today.