“It won’t be a loud party on Monday – and it shouldn’t be”.
That’s the view of the chairman of Nottingham’s Pubwatch, who says bars can’t afford to close again and rush into a fourth lockdown.
David Lucas said the opening of Nottingham nightlife will be a gradual process as many facilities do not have the outdoor areas to open on Monday March 12th.
A recent survey found that 60 percent of outdoor venues open on Monday.
The other 40 percent said they had “no available space” and would stay closed until the rules change and indoor seating is allowed.
Geese Gate in Hockley
(Image: Nottingham Post)
Monday opening hours depend on the pub’s license. Most open at 12 noon, with road licenses closing at 11 p.m.
Nottingham’s Castle Rock Pubs, which include the Vat and Fiddle and Canal House, see a destination at 9pm – but this may change based on demand.
Mr Lucas told Nottinghamshire Live: “We just want to bring the city center back to life. It has been hibernating for a long time.
“But we want it to be done gradually and in a safe way.
“We want to be careful – if we open it doesn’t jeopardize progress.
“Nobody wants us to be blocked again because that would be catastrophic. The hotel industry is such an integral part of the city’s infrastructure.”
He said there are only a percentage of pubs and bars in Nottingham that have an outdoor area.
“Not every venue in town can open because there is no outside space, and even those with outside spaces need to check if it can.
“The restrictions and rules are that you have to sit at a table so that there is table service and social distance.
“Is it going to be a great party atmosphere? Use these rules if it isn’t.
“It should be a nice atmosphere, but this big noisy party, I can’t see it and it shouldn’t happen if people follow the rules.”
Nottingham venues are pre-booked. Some venues like The Magic Garden with one of the largest outdoor areas are almost sold out.
The new regulations also mean that all customers 16 and over must provide their contact details on the door, not just those who made the booking.
This will ensure that the six and two household rule is applied and that outbreaks on a farm can be tracked.
Colin Wilde, who runs the pubs in Castle Rock, said he heard that only half of the pubs in town would open on Monday.
Speaking about how busy the city could be, Mr. Lucas added, “There are still people who refuse to go back to the venues at this point – that’s the unknown factor too.”
He said the weather will also play a role in how many people head out.