Inn-Dependence Day 4th July 2020

As lockdown is slowly eased across the country, people are taking their first tentative steps back out into the world.

Much has changed. Some shops have closed for good, others have lines snaking through car parks just because people need decking or a plant pot. I have now ventured past my neighbour hood and I was hit with emotions mixed between excitement, dread and anxiety. Shops that are open are doing their utmost to create a safe space and an altered reality for customers. Don’t be fooled, this could go on for a year or more depending on whether a vaccine is found and whether we open our borders too soon.

The government understand the need for morale in these difficult times and even opened garden centres so that we could channel worry and stress into a therapeutic pastime outdoors. We can now have picnics and meet up with friends outdoors as long as we still stay 2 metres away which is a real blessing!

On 4th July pubs will start opening across the country, serving outside as far as I’m aware. Whilst I am pleased for the landlords as so many village inns have closed in the past 20 years (especially since the smoking ban), I have my concerns about how they are going to assist drunk patrons in social distancing, plus all that drink needs to go somewhere and how many wash their hands after using the facilities?

Some pubs have been fantastic during Covid-19 lockdown; doing takeaway menus like the Snitterfield Arms. Fish and Chip Fridays, Burger Tuesdays, Sunday Roast abs even Indian have been a fantastic treat for locals AND kept the pub in business with new customers as well as old. I think this way of thinking should be extended for a couple more months before we see a second wave of Covid.

I personally don’t drink. Don’t need it. But I I would really like to hear opinions from drinkers themselves. Is a picnic with bottled beers and friends not enough? What are your thoughts?