Macclesfield landlady 'very relieved' about pubs reopening while some business owners await 'clarification'

By James Kelly

23rd Jun 2020 | Local News

The Plough pub on Prestbury Road (Image: Google Maps)
The Plough pub on Prestbury Road (Image: Google Maps)

Today's announcement that pubs, restaurants, and salons are among the businesses reopening on 4 July left owners breathing a sigh of relief, but those in other sectors are left waiting.

In his address to parliament this afternoon, Boris Johnson also said the two-metre social distancing rule will be dropped and replaced with "one metre plus".

To some within the hospitality sector, the social distancing announcement was as important as being allowed to reopen due to issues of capacity.

Susan Edwards, the landlady of the Plough in on Prestbury Road in Macclesfield described feeling "very relieved" when she heard the news.

She told Macclesfield Nub News: "I was relieved we are allowed to open, but we will still be doing all we can to keep everybody safe.

"In a small establishment like Imine, the two-metre distance would mean that we could only open up at 25 per cent capacity. The change of rules means we can have more people in."

The landlady, who has run the pub for five years, said she has used the time in lockdown to ensure do some maintenance work and make sure "the place is welcome when everyone returns".

The Plough has seen the installation of social distancing measures, including seat dividers to help keep people safe.

The prime minister said that guidance will be published in the coming days about how each sector can become "Covid secure".

One such measure guideline mooted by Mr Johnson people going into pubs and restaurants could be required to give their name and contact details in case there is an outbreak and they need to traced and isolated.

Today's news has been welcomed by the local business community, but some still feel left in the dark about when they can reopen.

Gyms, nail salons, night clubs and swimming pools are among the businesses and recreational establishments that will remain closed beyond 4 July.

Victoria Ault, from Lady Lash Cheshire, told Nub News: "Although it is great news for some businesses going forward, beauty is yet to receive clarification I am sure that there are many fellow business owners and clients who eagerly await this."

Yvonne Lennard, of Artmageddon Tattoo Studio, echoed the sentiment of uncertainty, saying: "I find it absolutely astounding that tattoo & piercing studios, who use hospital grade sterilisation, disposable products and already use all of the PPE people are running out to buy now, are still not allowed to re-open."

     

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