Be safe, be sensible revellers urged as pubs and restaurants re-open

That's the key safety message being given to revellers as the coronavirus lockdown continues to ease with bars, pub and restaurants reopening in Barnsley.

A number of bars, pubs and restaurants in the town centre and across the borough will, like the rest of the country, reopen from tomorrow, Saturday, July 4.

Barnsley Council and venues have been busy introducing measures in line with government guidance, to make it as safe as possible.

But they warn the going out experience will be completely different than it was before lockdown - with some even introducing entrance by bookings only.

Public health bosses say if you’re intending to visit a pub, bar or restaurant, plan your trip in advance.

It starts by checking if the bar, pub or restaurant will be open or is operating a bookings only policy, by looking on its website, social media accounts or even calling the venue.

Be prepared to make cashless payments.

Thinking about travel arrangements and, if you are using public transport, you need to wear face coverings.

Remember to be vigilant and follow social distancing guidelines.

Venues will also be collecting your details so they can be provided to the government’s track and trace system should there be an outbreak of infections.Additional measures could include table service only and limiting capacity, while you’re also reminded to only visit a venue with only your own or one other household – or support bubble if you’re in one.As always, you’re reminded to drink responsibly.

Market Kitchen, the town centre's Glass Works’ market complex food court and Cucina Sky Lounge cocktail bar, will begin a phased reopening.

It will initially reopen on Saturday, 8.30am to 11pm, and Sunday, July 5, between 10am and 11pm.It will be closed on Monday, July 6, when opening times for the rest of the summer period will be announced.

Market Kitchen’s vendors will all be operating different hours and will be closed at different times during the week. Some vendors will remain temporarily closed. Please check with each vendor for their opening days and times.Several safety measures will be in place. There will be a queue outside the market building. Once inside, customers will be asked to queue while staff ensure tables are cleaned.

One member of each party will be required to provide their name, phone number, group size and post code for the government’s track and trace system. This information will only be shared with the government in the case of an outbreak.

Some vendors will operate a table service, while Cucina Sky Lounge now has an app available from the Apple and Android app stores that enables you to order and pay for drinks to be delivered to your table.

Last orders for food will be 10pm. Last orders for the bar will be 11pm.

Julia Burrows, Director of Public Health at Barnsley Council, said: “We know that some residents will be eager to visit their favourite pubs, bars and restaurants either locally or in the town centre at the weekend, but the virus is still out there.“Social distancing remains vitally important to help control the spread of the virus, and the additional safety measures put in place by venues will help minimise the risk of transmission.“That said, there is still a very real risk, so residents need to be safe, be sensible and remain vigilant. It’s important people provide their details to help inform the government’s track and trace system should there be an outbreak of infections, and only visit with members of their own household, one other household or support bubble.”