MPs set 22 June as target date for partial reopening of pubs and restaurants

Ministers are reportedly targeting 22 June as the date they hope to allow pubs and restaurants to open in some form.

According to the Financial Times the government is aiming for the date to allow pub gardens and restaurants with outdoor spaces to be among the first in hospitality to reopen.

MPs had initially outlined 4 July as the provisional date to begin reopening outdoor venues across England.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is among a group of MPs calling for the reopening to support the recovery of the UK’s economy. 

The news comes as industry experts warned over 15,000 pubs could be forced to permanently close if they are forced to wait until September to open their doors.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned the sector could be facing a “double hit” if the public continue to stay away from busy social hubs.

She said: “I am very, very worried about the sector. There are going to be much fewer people inside our pubs and that is part of the reality going forward.”