Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:29 pm
The Oak Inn in Coventry opened its doors to punters in the early hours as coronavirus lockdown rules were lifted
This was the scene at The Oak in Coventry as it opened its doors to thirsty punters at midnight for their first pub drink in many months.
The pub announced earlier this week that when the clock struck 12.01am and April 12 began, it would be welcoming customers to sit outside - and the offer was certainly taken up.
Lines of people could be seen queuing up outside the pub in Gosford Street in the run-up to midnight in order to get that first pint, glass of wine or whatever their beverage of choice was as soon as possible when the latest lockdown rules lifted.
Today is a big day for many with pubs and restaurants able to serve customers sitting outside, while non-essential shops, gyms and leisure centres can also reopen as the Government's roadmap out of lockdown continues.
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Pictures of the long queue outside the pub were posted on social media prompting the council to investigate.
A spokeswoman for the local authority said with restrictions being eased it wanted to remind everyone "about the importance of following the rules", which included social distancing and regular hand washing.
Mr Lee said the council had not yet contacted him, but believed rules were observed.
"We always do things safely and properly," he said. "We were able to get outside as per the national guidelines."
Police officers who went to site were "more than happy", he added.
West Midlands Police said it had been told of the plans and officers visited the pub where they found customers following guidelines.
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