UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK government is telling pubs, cafes, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, theatres, leisure centres and gyms to close from tonight to fight coronavirus.
“The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice,” he told the daily Covid-19 press conference.
“And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday.”
“We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us.”
“And so following agreement with all the … devolved administrations, we are collectively telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow.”
“Though, to be clear, they can continue to provide take out services”
“We’re also telling nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale.”
Johnson added that the government would be continually assessing the situation around pubs and cafes and other requested closures “to see if we can relax any of these measures”.
The SLTA responded saying:-
“This decision by the Government is not unexpected and now gives clarity on what pubs bars and other social gathering venues must do. However, there is no clarity on what action hotels should take and further clear direction needs to be given by the Government”.