Busy Getting Back To Business

Pubs, hairdressers and shops are preparing for a stampede of eager customers let loose today as lockdown rules are relaxed.

- Michael Knowles

But the watchword is caution as experts warn of a potential rise in Covid cases. Non-essential shops, gyms, pools, libraries, zoos and nail salons can all open as virus cases plummet.

Some salons are reporting back-to-back bookings for 12-hour shifts as “everybody wants an appointment”.

Popular pubs and bars are fully booked for the next six weeks and restaurant bosses have told of lengthy waiting lists.

The British Beer and Pub Association estimates just 40 per cent of pubs in England have enough outdoor space to reopen.

The Centre for Economic and Business Research suggests that the hospitality sector will get a £314million boost this week alone. Industry experts have predicted a £500million spending spree between today and Thursday.