I'm not bothered by covid, but I'll be buggered if I'm going to sit with random idiots desperate to get drunk.
If they were doing table service only outside, then maybe, but frankly their beer isnt that attractive.
Cant speak for everywhere, but my partner works at an M&B pub, and they have comprehensive rules about the reopening, which include strict time slot booking, strict table service
and seated consumption (aka ‘no vertical drinking’), a one-way system through the building, no-one allowed at the bar, sanitisation of tables & menus between seatings and so on.
As far as I’m aware, masks are advised but not mandatory, which IMO means they won’t end up being used. And there appears to be nothing on ventilation, at least so far.
Personally I still don’t think it’s enough, but it has to be said the pubs are trying hard, at least hers is, and breweries have a strong vested interest in making sure everyone sticks to the new rules - the papers will be watching like hawks for any outbreaks traceable to sloppy handling of virus protocols in the newly reopened pubs.
I wish she didn’t have to go in, and I blame the government for her having to. Not least because I don’t feel able in good conscience to be near my parents, who I already haven’t seen properly in months because they’re shielding, once she starts back.
But I also totally understand the desire to go to the pub. I’d love to myself. And the pubs and staff are trying hard.