As another Advert on the radio shouts about, 'THE LOCKDOWN IS OVER" I have realised that Boris is a genius. (Well, perhaps Dom is) They are now taking all the kudos for 'reopening the economy' and reducing social distancing to 1m....
The Press are all piling in with the same message…. The opening paragraph on the BBC - "In England, 4 July marks the date when two households of any size can meet up indoors. This can be at one another’s home, or else in shared accommodation away from home...."
Sounds great! And it is what people are hearing!
The headline ignores the critical detail in the advice.
"That you should socially distance from anyone not in your household or bubble." …. “Social distancing between people not in your household will still have to be observed - ideally at 2m (6ft), but at 1m, with mitigation, if that's not possible”. (gov.uk)
The genius of Boris is in shrugging off the responsibility and political fallout. At home, people will police themselves, do what they want and no one will know. In public it’s a different game. Publicans are going to have to deal with explaining the actual rules, how these are implemented in bars and disappointing people who have had an unrealistic expectation set that lockdown is over... Without clear support from those at the top, this could create some challenging moments.
The Laburnum Inn will be opening on the 4th of July, it will be different and I look forward to welcoming you. But, if you don't like it, if you don't agree or won't abide by the rules, please don't come.
Watch this space for updates.