Town leaders thank Northampton town-goers after 'sensible reopening' of pubs

Pubs, bars and restaurants across the borough were able to open their doors again from Saturday (4 July), as lockdown eases
By Carly Roberts
Published 7th Jul 2020, 13:02 BST
Updated 7th Jul 2020, 15:11 BST
The Gardener's Arms landlord Paul Earwaker opened his pub on Wellingborough Road at 11am on Saturday. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.The Gardener's Arms landlord Paul Earwaker opened his pub on Wellingborough Road at 11am on Saturday. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.
The Gardener's Arms landlord Paul Earwaker opened his pub on Wellingborough Road at 11am on Saturday. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.

Northampton Borough Council are saying thank you to everyone for their 'sensible approach' to the reopening of the town’s night-time economy during the weekend.

The council worked with Northamptonshire Police and Northampton Town Centre BID to give businesses support in the lead up to reopening their doors to ensure they were complying with Government guidance.

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Councillor Anna King, Northampton Borough Council Cabinet member for community safety and engagement, said: “We’re so pleased that everyone, businesses and residents alike, took a sensible approach to the reopening.

Malcolm Buswell, Matt Boot and Luke Knight pictured at Beer Guerrilla on Wellingborough Road where they reopened to customers in the evening on Saturday.Malcolm Buswell, Matt Boot and Luke Knight pictured at Beer Guerrilla on Wellingborough Road where they reopened to customers in the evening on Saturday.
Malcolm Buswell, Matt Boot and Luke Knight pictured at Beer Guerrilla on Wellingborough Road where they reopened to customers in the evening on Saturday.

“It’s extremely important that we get our local economy fully up and running again, though in doing so we need to make sure we don’t contribute to a second surge of coronavirus.

“I’m so grateful to everyone for doing their part over the weekend to help keep everyone safe, long may it continue.”

Businesses must ensure they manage queues effectively so they don’t cause an obstruction, they must maintain social distancing measures, and provide appropriate personal protective equipment to safeguard their staff and customers.

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Businesses that opened over the weekend should also be keeping a record of customer names and contact details and retain these securely for 21 days to support the Government’s Test and Trace initiative.

Mark Mullen, Northampton town centre BID operations manager, said: "We were delighted that after months of planning and support for businesses in the night-time economy sector, we were able to see some of our town centre pubs, bars and restaurants begin to reopen at the weekend.

"That customers and visitors followed the new rules and processes as they began to enjoy some of their favourite venues again was incredibly reassuring.

"This is a really positive step for our town centre night-time economy, and Northampton town centre BID is committed to helping businesses as government restrictions continue to change."

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Any businesses that need advice on the steps they should be taking can find the information at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19 or they can email [email protected] if they need specific local advice.

Related topics:NorthamptonBIDNorthamptonshire Police

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