Drinkers up and down the UK got the party started in pubs and bars at a few minutes past midnight as Britain took a big step towards normality with people being allowed to have a drink inside.
Indoor mixed drinking is allowed for the first time since November, and drinkers sink in the bar at midnight
When the clock struck at midnight, the British had a pint for the first time in a bar this year.
Boozer toasts to celebrate their newfound freedom Indoor mixing It was finally approved for the first time since November.
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The bar staff at Shinshin Hotel Huddersfield is happy to welcome customers back to the shopImage source: nb press lld
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Rosie Delaney, Isobel Loan and Rebecca Mitchell had their first drink at Showtime Bar in Huddersfield at 00:11Credit: PA
From today, pubs, restaurants and cafes can serve customers indoors, cinemas and hotels can reopen
But SAGE scientist Jeremy Farrar says he wouldn t for the moment take part in these new found freedoms
His colleagues also rule out going to the pub and advise against high risk procedure of hugging someone
Health Secretary Matt Hancock insisted ministers would not allow the new variant to spread like wildfire
Tory MPs called on the PM to reject warnings from scientists that lockdown curbs may have to remain in place
In pictures: punters return to the pub as lockdown restrictions ease at midnight. (PA) As England moved into stage three of Boris Johnson s roadmap out of lockdown, people were quick to embrace their newly-found freedoms, starting with the pub. Up until midnight, customers reamined in beer gardens or street terraces but as Sunday turned into Monday, they were welcomed back inside by staff to enjoy relaxed lockdown rules. Boris Johnson confirmed on Friday that the roadmap will go ahead as planned today despite concerns over the Indian variant which has thrown a complete end to restrictions on June 21 into doubt.