Mask rules could continue beyond 21 June
The Times has reported pubs will be able to operate without the one-metre-plus social distancing requirement.
This would mean no cap on the number of customers on the premises, the newspaper suggested.
However, one-way systems and masks while moving around inside may be retained, according to the report.
Indoor venues including theatres and cinemas will also be given strict guidance on ventilation, the newspaper reported.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said that “safeguards” would have to be implemented for after 21 June, the provisional date for step four of the Government’s lockdown exit strategy.
Extra safeguards
Over the bank holiday weekend, the minister said: “We’re looking at what extra safeguards, caveats, need to be put in place.
“We want to get to a position, at the end of June, where we can get life back as close to normal as possible, but they’ll still need to be some safeguards in place.”
He suggested continued rules could be around distancing and masks but said he did not want to “pre-judge.”
“Those are just some of the options,” he added.
It comes after reports last week that the Prime Minister has moved away from considering the use of vaccine passports in pubs.
It had previously been suggested Covid checks could be used as a requirement for pubs to be able to operate without table service and social distancing.
Instead, officials are thought to be considering the use of health passports for use in larger participation events only such as nightclubs and large sport events.
Pub operators had slammed reports of the proposals, which would see customers asked to show proof of a vaccination, negative test result or antibodies from a recent infection.
