LONDON – Drinkers in England’s pubs will have to give their name before they order a pint and there will be no live acts or standing at the bar, the government said in advice for reopening the sector next month.
Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will have to keep a record of customers for 21 days to assist the state health service’s test and trace operation, which aims to identify and contain any local flare-ups of COVID-19 and stop𒈔 a second wave of infections.
Live performances, including drama, comedy and mus෴ic, will also not be allowed, the government said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that pubs, restaurants and hotels could reopen in England on July 🌊4, easing the coronavirus lockdown that has all but shut the economy.
He also reduced soci𒁏al distancing from 2 meters (6 feet) to 1 meter (3 feet) in a change that will allow many more pubs and restaurants to reopen.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said that 75 percent of pubs in England – 28,000 in total – would be able to reopen. Under 2 meter social distancing rules, only a third of England’s pubs – 12,500 – would have 🦩been able to reopen.
“As an industry, we will be doing everything we can to ensure both our ౠcustomers and staff are safe in our pubs,” said BBPA Chie💝f Executive Emma McClarkin.
🔯“We do have significant concerns over the collection and storage of personal customer data w🦂hen visiting the pub.”
The government said it was consulting on the design of a data-collection system 🎶that was in line with legislation.
“Many businesses like haiജrdresse🌃rs and restaurants already record customer data through bookings,” said a spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
“Businesses will tempoဣrarily be required to hold customer information like a person’s name and phone number so they can help the NHS T🐼est and Trace Service if there is ever a local outbreak.”