Queues outside Burnley beer gardens as pubs open for the first time in six months

Queues formed outside a number of venues this morning while eager drinkers patiently waited for their first sup in the sunshine.

Hospitality venues across the borough were forced to close their doors on October 17th when Lancashire was moved into Tier 3 Covid restrictions.

Today marks the start of their roadmap journey with restaurants and pubs now allowed to serve customers outdoors.

Customers must order, eat and drink while seated at a table, but they will not need to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks, and there's be no 10pm curfew.

The rule of six will be in place, although groups of any size are welcome as long as there are no more than two households present.

Venues could be allowed to seat customers indoors from Monday, May 17th – if the roadmap stays on track – with June 21st the date all restrictions will hopefully be lifted.