Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to reopen in England on 4 July with relaxed social distancing

Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, museums and cinemas are among the businesses that can reopen in England on 4 July.

As was widely predicted, prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed the easing of lockdown measures.

To help hospitality businesses, many of which have say they can't operate with a two minute social distancing rule, Johnson said 'one metre plus' will be introduced on 4 July. Where two metres isn't possible, people can stay one metre apart if they take other safety measures such as washing hands and wearing masks.

Bars and restaurants will only be able to offer table service with "minimal staff and customer contact". They will also be required to record the names and contact details of customers in case they have to be contacted through the government's test and trace programme.

Hairdressers and barbers can also welcome customers back if precautions are taken including face visors.

In welcome news for the English travel industry, bed and breakfasts, hotels, holiday apartments, caravan parks and camp sites can reopen on 4 July if shared facilities are kept properly clean. Visitors will be able to enjoy museums, bingo halls, art galleries, cinemas and outdoor gyms too.

Theatres and music halls can also reopen but they can't hold live performances

Some businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England can't reopen yet though. They include spas, nightclubs, indoor soft play areas, bowling alleys, water parks, indoor gyms, nail bars and swimming pools.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted: "Subject to public health, our aspiration is to reopen gyms and leisure facilities in mid-July."

The government is due to be publish sector specific guidance to help businesses reopen safely.

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