Bars and pubs in Sheffield are keen to get people back through the doors as planning is underway for reopenings in April.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suggested that by April 12, hospitality establishments operating in outdoor venues will be able to serve their customers again. 

Krissie Petfield, marketing manager for True North Brew Co, Devonshire Road said: “After the last year, we are eager to welcome our locals back in and make up for the lost time.”

Businesses are having to adapt to the new regulations, and those which do not have an outdoor venue will have to wait until May 17 before they can start seating customers again.

Mrs Petfield said: “We invested heavily in our outdoor areas, with lighting, heating and weatherproofing to make our guests comfortable when they visit. We also launched our own takeaway brand, True North at Home.” 

Staff are eager to resume work and are optimistic about the new adaptations being made across the city’s pubs and restaurants.

The Government announced in the budget that over £100bn will be invested in schemes supporting jobs, such as the furlough scheme.

Mrs Petfield said: “We have taken advantage of the furlough scheme, meaning we have been able to maintain employment throughout the whole business, from the Head Office function to our venue staff.” 

Whilst most are looking forward to a visit to the pub, there is growing concern over the lack of measures in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in pubs and restaurants.

Mrs Petfield said: “We’re doing everything that we can to ensure social distancing and to make sure we have very high levels of cleaning in place in all of our venues.”

“We think if all companies and venues are doing the same nationwide, it should help to decrease the impact on the pandemic.”

The rate of infection from coronavirus is on the decline in Sheffield, with an estimated 38 daily cases.