Today is the day many restaurateurs and publicans have been waiting for. News on whether or not we can open on the 4th and what rules and regulations we might need to adhere to. Many won't survive. Many will choose to remain closed. We desperately hope the public will support

our choices whatever they might be and will act responsibly when inside our venues. But the government rules may be counter productive. Asking us to operate with 1m or 2m distancing could be the nail in our coffin, or worse, the nail in one of our guests. We need confidence it's

safe to open. Implementing perspex screens means an expensive outlay when we have had no income for 3 months. And with tens of thousands of restaurants buying them on the same day, there will be delays and prices will surge. And can we expect clear instruction on shapes and

sizes? Not from this government. What about taking temperatures at the door and contact details in case there's an outbreak? Many business owners will fear being sued if someone contracts the virus in their premises. So maybe not? And what if we do open? There's likely to be a

surge of guests in the first few weeks, but after dining in an empty room with little atmosphere, reading a laminated, wipe-clean menu, and seasoning your dish with a sachet of salt rather than the potentially hazardous grinder, will that custom last into month 2? But as the

2nd biggest employer in the country, a major contributor to the economy and an industry that brings happiness and joy to the public, there's a big call for us to open. And with furlough payments coming to an end, many won't have the choice. What I do know, is that we ask you

to support your local pubs and restaurants, in whatever decision they make, act responsibly and respect those around you. These are dark and difficult times for us all, but we all want to make the world that much tastier.

Much love to you all. Thanks fr listening