It's Just Another Man Hic Monday

UK pubs finally open for punters

- Jerry Lawton

Brits are set to toast the re-opening of pubs today with a 45millionpint booze bender.

That is how much ale is sitting in cellars waiting to quench the thirst of desperate drinkers who have been locked out of their locals for the past four months.

Up to 15,000 boozers will open today for the first time since before Christmas.

Many landlords have built outdoor bars and beer gardens so they can resume trade as lockdown eases – and say they are booked up for months.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said landlords have invested £500m to make venues safe during the pandemic.

She added: “It has been a long hard year for people in the sector. Some are hanging on by fingertips. We welcome the great news that our pubs can reopen once more for outdoor service. That first pint back in the beer garden is going to be a special moment.