SINCE being allowed to reopen last summer, following the end of the first lockdown, the hospitality industry has had to operate under a strict regime, only allowing table service, implementing social distancing, and the wearing of face masks when not seated.
That all changed yesterday as the country entered so-called ‘Freedom Day’ after Sajid Javid confirmed last week that the final stage of the government’s roadmap could go ahead.
Pubs across Oxford welcomed in the changes while urging on the side of caution.
Joe Davies, who runs the Fir Tree on Iffley Road, had to close his pub for the whole of last year – the smaller interior and lack of garden space meant it was not viable to comply with Government restrictions.