A MARKETING boss has given all his staff the day off so they can hit the pub on Monday as lockdown rules ease.
Chris Donnelly, 30, chief executive of Verb Brands, told his employees not to come into work in Shoreditch, London on April 12.
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They will be able to either go to the pub or spend time with family members – while still receiving their full day's pay.
Mr Donnelly said he wanted his staff members to enjoy themselves and contribute to the Covid-affected economy.
He told Mail Online: "It has been a horrid time for so many people across so many sectors.
"The pubs and shops are opening up after months and I just want employees to know how much they are appreciated and to enjoy this day for themselves, not spend it sat in the office.
"Landlords and high street retailers need a boost too so I'm happy for my lot to spend the day supporting these businesses.
"And if they want to spend the day in bed – then good for them."
It comes as:
- Brits can now go ahead and book their summer holidays abroad, Grant Shapps announced
- Jet2 cancelled all flights and holidays up to June 23
- Hairdressers have been told not to offer highlights, braids or other 'long' treatments when they reopen on Monday
- Free twice-weekly rapid lateral flow tests are now available for adults across England in a huge boost for our freedom
- More than 10,000 lives have so far been saved by the Covid vaccination blitz in England alone
The next stage of unlocking is due to take place on April 12, when non-essential shops and hairdressers will be able to open their doors.
Pubs and restaurants with outdoor space will also be able to open to punters.
Around 15,000 pubs — 40 per cent of the total in England — will re-open for outside drinking in beer gardens, car parks and even on roads.
Of the pubs set to reopen, a handful have a 24-hour licence and are gearing up to welcome punters back as soon as the clock strikes 12.
One London local – The Kentish Belle, Bexleyheath – has announced on Twitter that it will open its doors up to thirsty Brits at one minute past midnight on Monday.
The Showtime, in Huddersfield, also told The Sun that it will be reopening at one minute past midnight as well.
Major chains are expected to reopen at usual times.
For example, Wetherspoon will open doors at 396 from 9am and Young's 140 at around 11am.
Brits are expected to guzzle a whopping 15 million pints next week easing as breweries ramp up beer production in preparation.
Town halls have also been ordered to let bars and restaurants spill out onto pavements for a booming al-fresco April from the 12th.
Rules for drinkers will be different to last time, but two that have been scrapped will please most punters — there will be no 10pm curfew and there is no longer a need to buy a “substantial” meal.
Ordering will be table service only, with staff wearing masks and gloves.
Customers must also wear a face covering if they move around, for example to go to the toilet.
Some chains, such as JD Wetherspoon, will offer contactless ordering via a dedicated app. Every pub-goer will be required to check in using the NHS Covid app.
It means they will be alerted to take a test if they happen to sit next to someone who has the bug.
Under the “rule of six”, that number — or two households — can sit together outside for a drink. Pubs will also be able to offer a takeaway service.
Eating and drinking inside at pubs and restaurants will be off the menu until May 17 at the earliest.
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