Pubs in England are still not scheduled to reopen until July 4 at the earliest, Downing Street insisted today. Boris Johnson's spokesman dealt a blow to thousands of boozers that were hoping they might get the green light to reopen early.
Three separate Whitehall sources told the Financial Times that June 22 is the date being targeted in ministers' diaries. And a group of ministers dubbed the “Save Summer Six” was said to be pushing for the July 4 opening to be brought forward - amid hopes beer gardens or outdoor areas could reopen early.
Breweries were even getting ready to deliver 250 million pints next week. But Downing Street today insisted there is currently “no change” in the government's position on reopening pubs - which officially