Gloucester’s retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will begin to open their doors to customers again from 12 April for the first time this year. As the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues, the restrictions for the high street are being lifted in line with step two of the Government’s lockdown easing plan.
The Prime Minister’s announcement in March stated that non-essential retailers, food and drink venues with outdoor spaces and indoor sport and leisure facilities will be allowed to welcome back the public but with some restrictions in place.
Gloucester Quays, King’s Walk and Eastgate Shopping Centre including the indoor market will all re-open on 12 April with safety measures in place.
Hospitality businesses will be able to serve customers if they have outdoor areas. These include cafes, restaurants, pubs and social clubs with outdoor seating. For licensed premises serving alcohol, customers will be able to enjoy table service as they will be required to order, be served and eat and drink while seated.
The Gloucester Tourist Information Centre and museum shop and café are re-opening on Tuesday, 13 April at 10am. They will then look forward to welcoming visitors back to the wider museum (subject to government guidance) on Tuesday, 18 May.
Outdoor Fitness classes have been running at GL1, Oxstalls Sports Park and Gloucester Park since March 29. From April 12 the gyms, swimming pools, sports hall and the gymnastics hall will reopen at GL1 along with indoor tennis at Oxstalls. All adult usage will be based on single-family units. Kids courses will run from Mondayindoors with courses running for swimming, tennis and gymnastics.
People are reminded to continue observing the two-metre social distancing rule and to wear a mask where appropriate. Customers are encouraged to visit the websites and social media accounts of businesses before visiting to check opening hours, details of COVID safety measures or to make bookings.
Look out for businesses displaying VisitBritain’s We’re Good To Go mark. Certified businesses have undertaken additional risk assessments and instituted changes designed to keep staff and customers safe.
Emily Gibbon from Gloucester Business Improvement District, said: “The businesses that are re-opening are excited and ready to welcome you back. Shops and businesses have worked so hard to prepare their shops and venues to accommodate and serve you safely. It is so important to support our local businesses now more than ever, and as we do so please be kind and patient, there are still COVID safety measures in place for the business owner’s safety, as well as public safety. Support local, shop safely.”
Jon McGinty, Managing Director at Gloucester City Council, said: “We know this has been an extremely tough time for our businesses and residents are encouraged to help our high streets by shopping locally. The Covid City Protection Officers will continue to support businesses and visitors by being on hand to give advice about social distancing and staying safe.”
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