COVID: Will the UK's pubs stay shut until May?

To many, the reopening of pubs will be one of the most keenly awaited dates in the diary when COVID restrictions are eventually loosened. A world-famous British institution, they have been, along with other hospitality businesses, especially hard hit during the pandemic and previous lockdowns suggest both pubs and restaurants are facing a longer route back to normality than other sectors hit by periods of closure.

Recently, one group of scientists advising the government warned against reopening the sector before May.

Although the government is aiming to give over-50s a first vaccine dose by the spring. The government has not set out when or how restrictions might be lifted - but is under increasing pressure to sketch out an exit plan.

Other fixtures of the High Street, such as "non-essential" shops, have been earlier to reopen when restrictions have been eased previously. Pubs and restaurants are currently closed across the UK - apart from some Scottish islands, where they can open until 6pm but not serve alcohol.

In a change from earlier lockdowns, pubs and bars in England and Northern Ireland now face a total ban on selling takeaway alcohol - previously described as a "lifeline" by the Society of Independent Brewers. Pubs can no longer offer takeaway pints for outside consumption in mainland Scotland, where drinking alcohol is now banned in public outdoor areas.

Takeaway pints can be served in Wales but only if the premises already have a licence to do so.