'Super Saturday' breathes life into West Country businesses

040720-Waiter serves family their food at the Hare and Hound pub in Bath-ITV West Country
People across the region made a return to places like pubs with new rules in place to protect against coronavirus. Credit: ITV News West Country

Hundreds of businesses in the region are welcoming back customers for the first time in months.

People are returning to pubs, restaurants and hairdressers following the government easing lockdown restrictions.

Hairdressers

Tiffany's hairdressers in Bude opened at one minute past midnight today (Saturday 4 July) to welcome back their first customer. Almost 1,000 people have signed up to their waiting list when it was announced they could reopen.

Credit: Tiffany's Hairdressers

Pubs & Bars

Various measures have been implemented at the Hare and Hound in Bath Credit: ITV News West Country

The Hare and Hound pub in Bath opened its doors much to the relief of staff.

Staff at the Broken Dock opening now is vital for the business Credit: ITV News West Country

The Broken Dock bar in Bristol have said it's amazing to be back after months away.

Natasha Pierce, owner of the Broken Dock said: "People are braving the rain, people just don't care they want a pint and they want to be around other people.

All the provisions we have put in place are working. We have made sure all the tables are socially distanced apart and have put in other changes as well.

But we are trying to keep it as normal as possible."

Customers were also happy to be able to use their local again after a lengthy spell away.

Police response

Avon and Somerset police have implemented special measures for what they say could be a busy night. Credit: ITV News West Country

Avon and Somerset police say there will be more patrols as part of a 'significant' plan to deal with the reopening of pubs and restaurants.

The force added they're expecting a busy night and are urging people to act responsibly and not to put extra pressure on emergency services and NHS staff. 

Meanwhile, Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner has promised extra funds to tourist hotspots across the two counties to make them safe for visitors.

The sites will receive up to £3,000 to combat any drunken disorder that happens this weekend. The money can be spent on extra street marshals, CCTV monitoring, temporary toilets and street pastor schemes.

The 20 locations include:

  • Orcombe Point (Exmouth),

  • Exeter Quay,

  • Exeter Cathedral,

  • Bideford Quay,

  • Teignmouth seafront,

  • Woolacombe Beach,

  • Croyde Bay,

  • Torquay seafront,

  • Paignton seafront,

  • Newton Abbot,

  • Brixham Harbour,

  • Towan Beach and town centre (Newquay),

  • Fistral Beach (Newquay),

  • St Ives waterfront,

  • Truro centre

  • Lemon Quay,

  • Perran Sands (Perranporth),

  • Penzance waterfront,

  • Bude seafront and beach,

  • Plymouth Hoe and Plymouth Barbican.