Pub beer gardens should reopen as long as drinkers can social distance, says government adviser
PUB beer gardens should reopen as long as boozers can maintain social distancing, a government adviser has said.
Professor Robert Dingwall has said it is time to relax the strict lockdown rules that came in force on March 23.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday: "If it is a sunny weekend afternoon and the pub has a garden and the landlords are prepared to accept responsibility for not overcrowding that garden, I see no particular reason why it should not reopen."
The sociologist, who is a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, also claimed the two-metre social distancing rule was "conjured up out of nowhere";.
He said: "There's never been a scientific basis for two metres, it's kind of a rule of thumb. But it's not like there is …rigorous scientific literature that it is founded upon."
The UK went into lockdown in March as clubs and bars were ordered to shut until the foreseeable future.
Police were used to enforce the shutdown as they were granted power under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in order revoke operating licences for different types of venues if they weren't following the Government's measures.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all pubs, clubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and sport centres to shut "as soon as they reasonably can and not to reopen" - as hundreds were seen across the country sinking their final pints.
Last week it emerged that pubs would be the last to reopen.
a government source that one plan is to lift the lockdown in phases.
Under the possible plans, outdoor spaces would be opened first while pubs would be last.
MOST READ IN NEWS
The "best case scenario" could see restrictions eased for non-essential shops from early to mid-May.
The guidelines could again be relaxed by June and July - allowing for pubs and restaurants to reopen by the end of summer.
There has been growing pressure on the government to outline its plan, with economic paralysis wreaking havoc on jobs and businesses.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers. The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM. No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here: .