Government to Lift Lockdown Restrictions Starting May 17
The Government of the United Kingdom has announced it will lift several lockdown restrictions in England, starting on May 17, 2021.
The announcement comes as vaccination rates all over the UK continue to rise and Covid-19 infection and death rates plummet to lows not seen since the pandemic began in early 2020.
For reference, zero deaths were reported in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday, May 10. Wales recorded only 4 deaths.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that some restrictions would be lifted that would allow parts of the economy to reopen. However, the PM stressed that people should remain vigilant, urging everyone to “exercise caution and common sense.”
What you can do after May 17 in England
Many changes are being rolled out after May 17, including:
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Overnight stays will be allowed in groups of up to six people or two households
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can reopen indoors
- Adult indoor group sports can exercise classes can restart
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas, bingo halls, sports venues and children’s play areas can reopen
- Performances and large events can restart, with limits on audience numbers
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatre and cinemas can open
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- Holidays abroad to green list countries will be allowed
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings (although dancing will still not be permitted) and more than 30 can attend funerals
The nations of the UK are moving at different speeds from each other in lifting lockdown restrictions. Those being lifted in England may remain in place in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
A boon for the hospitality industry
The Prime Minister’s remarks come as hospitality businesses are eager to start trading again.
The retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries have been hit particularly hard during the pandemic.
On average, food and drink businesses lost around £40,000 each because of the lockdown. Many businesses were forced to close completely or struggled to access government support.
The lifted restrictions will mean that restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels will be able to serve more people indoors. It will also allow hotels, hostels and B&Bs to start trading again.
Tourism, which took a plunge from reduced international travel, is set to pick up speed again, with more countries being added to the UK’s green light traffic list.
While some social distancing restrictions may still be needed, many businesses can now return to normal levels of trading.
Reinvesting in your business
As the economy begins to reopen and businesses start to think again about the future, it’s vital that they have everything they need to make their ventures a success. This means investing in the proper technology and kit.
Epos Now offers exceptional point of sale systems that allow your bar, restaurant, or hotel to run as efficiently as possible. With Epos Now, you can:
- Synchronise your front and back of house to increase sale and table turnover
- Offer online ordering options to win customers
- Access data from any device at any time
- Use in-built customer relationship management systems for promotions to drive repeat business
- Take all types of payments quickly
- Track time-at-table and manage floor plans
- Take tableside ordering and payment
If you need to up your restaurant’s performance during this critical time, Epos Now can help.