Nuneaton pub announces it's reopening on this date - and challenges Boris Johnson to stop them

[dutchman]

'We cannot wait any longer and won’t change our plans unless the Prime Minister intervenes'



A Nuneaton pub has said it will reopen on July 4 - and challenged the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stop them.

Amar Uppal, managing director at the The Fuzzy Duck Pub and Kitchen, is defiant in his stance and warns many pubs will close unless the government acts fast.

In a statement, he said: "We will be opening on Saturday, July 4, despite the lack of clarity and direction given to the hospitality industry by the government.

"We cannot wait any longer and won’t change our plans unless the Prime Minister intervenes."

New safety measures and protocols have been introduced at the venue including reduced capacity and a one-way system through the premises.

They also have social distance signage and hand sanitising stations in place.

"We have taken expert advice and done everything we possibly can to make sure that when we do reopen, the health and safety of our customers and team is paramount," the statement continues.

Mr Uppal is also calling on Number 10 to reduce the 2m social distancing guidelines.

“There is a huge difference for the hospitality industry when you compare the effects of operating with 2m spacing as opposed to 1m spacing," the statement adds.

"For many smaller premises, as well as those who don’t have significant outdoor areas, it simply will not be viable to open with the 2m rule.

"It’s no exaggeration to say that if the government does anything further to prevent pubs, bars and restaurants from opening on July 4 and doesn’t reduce social distancing from 2m to 1m, then there will be large numbers of job losses in the hospitality industry as well as many pubs and restaurants that probably will never open again.

"I'm sure that everyone is looking forward to the day when some sort of normality returns to the country, but if the government doesn’t act fast then we won’t be toasting that moment in pubs and bars because most of them will have had to shut down because of this lack of guidance and support."

Pubs and restaurants have set a Friday deadline for Boris Johnson to confirm his plans.