The Prime Minister in today’s press conference opened positively announcing that the four tests for easing lockdown in England had been reached. Boris Johnson then confirmed relaxing restrictions, including enjoying hospitality outdoors, had been approved and was going ahead.
Roadmap Stage 2 Approved
From 12 April restaurants and pubs can serve customers outdoors, with no requirement for a ‘scotch egg’ or any other form of substantial meal to be ordered with alcoholic drinks. Customers will however need to be seated when eating and drinking.
Covid-19 Passports
There was no announcement related to Covid-19 Passports in the PM’s opening, but the BBC’s Iain Watson brought them straight to the table when journalist’s questions began. Watson stated that proposals around vaccine passports had managed to “achieve the remarkable political feat of uniting a former Labour leader and a former Conservative leader against them”. He continued asking if Covid-19 passports would be needed to enter a pub.
Boris Johnson was adamant saying: “There is absolutely no question of people being asked to produce certification when they go to the shops or to the pub garden.” He then added that they are not planned for Roadmap stage 3 either.
The PM did confirm that Covid-19 passports, or certificates as he prefers them to be called, are being tested for major events in the weeks and months ahead, and are still on the agenda for international travel.
The PM then qualified his thought saying: “The idea of vaccination status being useful for international travel is something that all countries are looking at. I do think that’s going to be part of the way people deal with it and we need to think about that.”
All in all an unusually succinct press conference, with great news for hospitality.
Copyright: All content in Hospitality & Catering News is protected by copyright.
News from the hospitality and catering industry is also being featured extensively in our Facebook and twitter social media accounts with the opportunity to engage with others in hospitality and share your views.
Hospitality & Catering News: New Regional Vice President and GM of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah appointed. – 4 April 2021 – New Regional Vice President and GM of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah appointed.
