Do I have to wear a face mask in the pub today – and other rules as hospitality reopens
After three months collecting dust, pubs and restaurants across the UK will be able to reopen to customers today, with some already swinging open their doors at 6am this morning.
After three months collecting dust, pubs and restaurants across the UK will be able to reopen to customers today, with some already swinging open their doors at 6am this morning.
The day marks the single biggest easing of the coronavirus lockdown since the pandemic began, with most hospitality and culture venues being given the green light to operate.
Two-metre social distancing has been shrunk to “1m+” and you will now be able to see loved ones at will in any private setting.
But of course, there are still plenty of measures in place that you will need to follow.
Oyster Bar
Do I need to wear a face mask in the pub?
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While you will need to wear a face mask if travelling to pubs and bars on public transport, there are no rules that require you to wear one when you get to your destination. Of course, it is recommended that you wear your face coverings at all times, even between sips of your drink, but it is not a mandatory guideline in these reopened establishments.
Should we still stay two-metres apart?
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The government wants you to maintain a two-metre distance from people today, however it is not mandatory anymore. There is a new “1m+” rule in place with pubs introducing measures such as no drinking at the bar, table-service only and plenty of screens around the venue to protect punters and staff if distancing cannot be achieved.
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Will I have to disclose my information?
If you haven’t already booked online, then most pubs, bars and restaurants will ask you to provide your name and contact details upon entering. This is so that if there is an outbreak at a specific venue, those who have registered there can be tracked and informed.
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As Greater Manchester recovers from the pandemic, more people are returning to work and using shops and services. And with pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues reopening from today, it’s as important as ever that everyone feels confident and safe when they travel.
We all need to play our part to reopen Greater Manchester safely, so TfGM are doing theirs by providing the information and options you need to make smart and safe choices. This way you can protect yourself and others around you.
Murder investigation launched as man dies two years after ‘life-changing’ Oldham attack
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man who was attacked two years ago in Oldham.
Ramon Logan was left seriously injured following the assault, which took place in Oldham back in July 2024, resulting in life-changing injuries, and a man was even jailed following the attack while Ramon continued to fight for his life.
Sadly, Ramon died on 30 June at the age of 42.
A Home Office post-mortem has taken place and further reviews are being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Following this and further enquiries that have been carried out, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that officers have now launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made as of yet.
Speaking as the murder investigation has been launched, Detective Inspector Andy Day, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We know how difficult and painful the last two years have been for Ramon’s family, and we are continuing to support them following his death last week.
“We have now launched a murder investigation, and are keeping his family updated as we progress our enquiries. We are assessing all available material and will be making further reviews in due course.”
Ramon’s wife, Charlotte, has also paid tribute to him: “It is with a broken heart I announce the passing of my beautiful husband, Ray Logan, on 30th June. Ray was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, and will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him.
“Ray was a part of so many people’s lives, and as much as we all have our existing memories to remember him by, it is heart-breaking that we won’t get to make any new ones.
“Ray never stopped fighting to get better for the last two years, all we can wish for now is that he gets the justice he deserves.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.