Today, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that from 4 July pubs, restaurants, hotels, hairdressers and barbers will be able to re-open and social distancing measures will be reduced from 2 metres to 1 metre ‘plus’.
Sector-by-sector guidance is due to be published in the coming days with advice on how businesses need to operate safely. Guidelines are likely to include use of face masks, screens, regular handwashing for employees and 1m social distancing measures. We will keep you informed of the guidelines and any associated changes that affect town centre organisations.
Outdoor playgrounds and gyms, cinemas, theatres, libraries, social clubs and community centres will also be permitted to open, however, theatres and concert venues will not be able to host a live performance.
Close proximity venues such as nightclubs, indoor gyms, swimming pools and spas will need to remain closed. A series of taskforces have been set up to develop the guidance and support required for these businesses.
The statement in full can be read here.
Kingston gears up for 4 July opening
Building on our experience of the re-opening of non-essential retail in the town centre last week, we have been continuing to work closely with Kingston Council to put plans in place to support businesses across the town planning to re-open in this second phase. We will update our Re-opening Guidance with updates as they are available.
In particular, we are emphasising that, as businesses plan their re-opening there is:
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Standard requirements on the local implementation of the new guidance for leisure and hospitality businesses, to ensure there is consistency across the town for how businesses can operate
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Straightforward and cost-effective application processes to support table and chair licenses
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More street space made available to enable venues to operate outdoors in a safe way
In addition, we are exploring how we can facilitate access to PPE for members and continue to lobby on expansion of the Discretionary Grant for small, independent businesses with an RV of over £51,000.
We have created Re-Opening resources for premises to use which are available now, including, floor vinyls, posters and signs. These are completely free for businesses to use across the town centre. Please contact Adie Hawkins, adrienne.hawkins@kingstonfirst.co.uk to order a pack.
Ask a Question: Re-opening Drop-in session, Hospitality & Leisure focus
On Friday we will be hosting a special ‘hospitality and leisure’ focused drop-in session with David Kingstone, Licensing and Environmental Compliance Team Leader at Kingston Council. David will join us to help answer your questions on licensing, food and health safety issues. This flexible session running from 10-11am will be used to share ideas and best practice, so please join us.
To register, please email Robyn Smith by 5pm on Thursday 25 June if you’d like to attend, robyn.smith@kingstonfirst.co.uk.
Re-opening hours, offers and services
Please do send us information on your businesses’ opening hours, re-opening timings and special activities and offers which we can promote across our digital channels: the In Kingston website and social media.
Please share your details with Eleanor Swan, eleanor.swan@kingstonfirst.co.uk.
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