Landlords prepare to reopen as pubs across the region welcome back customers
Pub landlords across the region are preparing to open their doors, as people are allowed to return to their local for the first time since March.
Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality and leisure businesses are allowed to open on Saturday (4 July) in the next stage of the relaxation of lockdown in England.
But owners will have to put in strict measures to reduce the risk of covid spreading amongst customers - while some have decided not to open at all.
In Winchester, the King Alfred has been putting the finishing touches on its measures to keep customers safe.
Manager Ali Longhurst says: "We have had to remove tables inside and in the garden to adhere to social distancing.
"We've got lots of signage to have a one-way system in place, disposable menus, most importantly staff training, but we feel we're ready."
Among those sites were social distancing will be most difficult is the Little Prince pub in Margate.
Measuring just 3m by 2m, it is one of the UK's smallest public houses, with space for little more than 6 people in normal times.
Manager Mark Breen said that as a small pub they're used to having only a few customers.
But he said that the collecting names and phone numbers from pub goers will be difficult.
"For us to stay open, we have to abide by the rules," he said.
"If [customers] don't like or don't do it, then they'll have to leave."
Amid publicans making final preparations, there've been calls from police chiefs and the emergency services for calm over the weekend.
Dorset Chief Constable James Vaughan warned that the easing of lockdown "will only last as long as people act responsibly."
Meanwhile the Prime Minister has pleaded with people 'not to overdo it' as hospitality venues reopen.