On-trade reacts to lifting of Covid-19 restrictions

The prime minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to remove all remaining Covid-19 restrictions across England. 

The changes mean that from 24 February, people who test positive for the virus will no longer be legally required to self-isolate, and vaccinated contacts of people who have tested positive will no longer be required to take a daily lateral flow test (LFT) for seven days.

Additionally, there will be no more contact tracing, and support payments for people who are isolating will no longer be offered. The plan will also see the availability of free LFTs significantly reduced. 

The pub and bar industry has welcomed the news, with businesses will no longer being legally bound to tell staff to self-isolate if they contract the virus. 

"It is heartening to hear that we are now moving to trading based on the safety measures that businesses have put in place and we hope that this will ignite consumer confidence in our sector and beyond," says Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality.

"The hospitality industry has proved that its venues are safe for staff and consumers and that, when allowed to trade without restrictions, it can be a major driver of economic growth and recovery."

Downing Street officials say the success of the vaccine rollout means "government interventions in people's lives can finally end", but scientists and NHS representatives have warned against the "premature" decision, claiming it will put people's lives at unnecessary risk. 

“We welcome the government’s decision to end all Covid restrictions later this week," says Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King. "It’s a hugely important step forward as we learn to live with Covid. We hope it encourages the public to get back out and visit their local pub, to help towns and cities return to the thriving social hubs we enjoyed before the pandemic.

“While we’re optimistic about the coming months, we know the hospitality industry will continue to face challenges as we start to recover from the impact of the last two years. Many of the issues pubs were facing before the pandemic, such as the disproportionate tax burden, will continue to hurt the sector and limit the ability of pubs to invest and create new jobs. We’re urging the government to extend the current VAT reduction beyond April and freeze business rates, to help support the sector in its recovery.”

The restrictions lift only applies to England, but UK nations are expected to reveal similar strategies in the coming days. 

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