Star readers discuss when indoor hospitality venues should reopen

The complaint states that there is “no evidence or justification for the prioritisation” of non-essential retail over hospitality. Currently, indoor hospitality venues are due to reopen at least five weeks after non-essential retail under the Government s roadmap. So, we asked our readers what they thought about the legal action and whether indoor hospitality venues should reopen at the same time as non-essential shops, and this is what they had to say:

Derek Mccarthy said; “Yes they should open same time they spent all that money on getting ready last time just to be shut down again.”

Tracey Eason is all for it, saying; “Yes, I think they should open together, in a shop people lean over you to reach things on the shelf and don't maintain social distance. Indoor hospitality is all done by table service so the chance of you going near another customer is less in the indoor hospitality than it is in a shop” and Patrick Cartledge responded in agreement to Tracy’s statement; “yep you will get more people in a shop than a pub.”

Cheryl Louise would also prefer that hospitality venues are allowed to reopen; “I felt safer in pubs having a meal with family than I do going in the shops.”

Joanne Davies would rather we didn’t rush things; “Leave it as it is, open venues, etc. gradually, look what happened last time, too much too soon that’s why furloughs been extended till September. Hopefully by Xmas everything will be back to normal… like the good old days. 2019 & before.”

Sid Hague is also firmly in the ‘Yes’ camp, saying; “If they can't open both why can't they open up hospitality first” and Theresa Ward also agreed, saying; “Yes, most pub clubs restaurants were doing a good job in between lockdowns, I felt safe, otherwise everyone will be in the shops, why not give people a choice?”

Karen Corker-Leary was clear in her view on things; “Get them open same time.”

Sandra Leonard kept it short and sweet; “No”

Rod Wilson on Twitter says that; “Judges will never support a policy that puts lives at risk.”

Meanwhile, Neil Peter says that it is; “time to end all the restrictions” and while Sam Green agrees, saying “Yes, yes, yes. Please, but still be careful when doing so.”

Deborah Taylor said that she’s; “right behind Sacha and Hugh with this one.”

And, Paul Bearer said; “hope they’re successful, this madness needs to end.”

It’s safe to say that most people feel that indoor hospitality venues should reopen at the same time as non-essential shops (out of those who responded at least). Many of the comments simply said “Yes” and they want indoor hospitality venues to be able to open sooner, especially because of the work that venues have done to ensure that it is as safe as possible for customers.