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Public braced for return to full lockdown as majority think pubs and restaurants have reopened too soon

Drinkers in Soho, London: PA
Drinkers in Soho, London: PA

The majority of the public think pubs and restaurants have been reopened too soon and are braced for a return to full lockdown before a vaccine is found.

The first pints have been poured at pubs in England which can now reopen following months of closure as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Couples can get married and hairdressers have been allowed to welcome customers, alongside restaurants, bars and cinemas on so-called Super Saturday, which has seen the biggest relaxation of rules yet.

However, 52% of voters believe the hospitality sector is going back into business early, according to a survey by pollster Opinium.

The snapshot survey shows that 73% expect a second outbreak of Covid-19 this year.

It states the Government’s disapproval rating is at 49% – with just 30% approving of its performance.

The survey also finds that 53% of people think the easing of the lockdown is happening too fast.

More than half of voters, 55%, are also braced to go back into full lockdown before a vaccine becomes available.

Socially distanced tables are served at The Terrace Bar, Alexandra Palace, London (PA)
Socially distanced tables are served at The Terrace Bar, Alexandra Palace, London (PA)

Similarly, 52% of people think the Government has under-reacted to the situation, while 30% believe it has reacted proportionately.

Boris Johnson has a knife-edge lead over who is considered best prime minister, with a 34% rating compared to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s 33% tally.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge takes a sip of an Aspalls cider at The Rose and Crown pub (Getty Images)
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge takes a sip of an Aspalls cider at The Rose and Crown pub (Getty Images)

Sir Keir’s approval rating also dipped from 46% to 43%, according to the survey.

Adam Drummond, head of political polling at Opinium, said: “While the Government may be keen to reopen, the public are looking ahead and with trepidation and aren’t expecting this release to be anything but temporary.

“An overwhelming majority expect a second wave of coronavirus to hit the UK, and a smaller majority expect a further lockdown will be needed before a vaccine eventually releases us from this virus.”

People sit and drink at the Borough Market (Reuters)
People sit and drink at the Borough Market (Reuters)

Four people were arrested and several pubs decided to close after alcohol related anti-social behaviour in north Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Police said three pubs in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield, plus two in Arnold and Newark closed.

Inspector Craig Berry said: “Officers were quickly on the scene to deal with a number of alcohol related anti-social behaviour reports including a smashed window and minor assault. As a result four arrests were made by officers and we supported licensees who chose to close their own premises.

“No pubs have been closed by the police.

“We’d like to thank the majority of the public who have acted responsibly throughout Saturday, especially whilst watching the much-anticipated Derby v Forest match.”

The majority of people think lockdown easing is happening too fast (PA)
The majority of people think lockdown easing is happening too fast (PA)

Meanwhile, the city of Leicester for the most part remains closed amid its own local lockdown.

Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs in the city must remain closed, but can be open for takeaways.

People are also banned from staying overnight at another household, and those in the restricted area can no longer visit people in private gardens or indoors, and could face fines if they flout rules.

The East Midlands city was placed under harsher restrictions by Health Secretary Matt Hancock following the rapid rise of coronavirus cases.

As well as the city of Leicester, the lockdown area includes parts of Leicestershire that touch on the city’s boundaries, including parts of Blaby District and Charnwood in the county.

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