Chesterfield pub owners 'cautious' but look forward to being back in business

However, some are being more cautious about reopening their doors to customers until full details are laid out nearer the said date.

But for The Market Pub, the announcement by the Prime Minister was long-awaited as many pubs have been suffering financially since the lockdown.

Its owner Douglas Daniels said: "I'm happy. It seems quite clear because they set a date this time which is helpful so we could start getting organised and preparing to reopen.

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"Previously, no (fixed) dates were given but this time there seems to be a clear path ahead. I'm just looking forward to getting my pub open again and being back in business."

Another pub owner however expressed his mixed feelings towards the plans as they only have a limited number of seats outside their premises.

Owner of Brimington venue, Brimming with Beer, Ben Stephenson said: "We only have a limited number of seats outside...and we will just wait how this is going to work.

"It is a bit early to say anything now and we'll see near the time."

He also said the roadmap plans were "confusing".

"I'm a bit confused as to why you can meet outside for a coffee but not for a beer?

"It just seems like random ideas passed around and picked out of the hat and whatever comes out we will go with that."

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Meanwhile, the Lockoford Inn in Chesterfield said they are currently treating the latest announcement as a best case scenario.

In a Facebook post, they said: "We will make a further announcement about the exact details of our reopening as soon as things are a little more certain. No point in jumping the gun yet.”

The Prime Minister confirmed that restaurants, pubs, and cafes can reopen for outdoor dining in England no earlier than April 12 and hospitality venues could begin to serve limited numbers of customers inside dining rooms no earlier than May 17.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.