PRIME Minister Boris Johnson's announcement about easing of restrictions on July 19 and "living with Covid" are being greeted with excitement in the hospitality sector but Bradford Council has sounded a note of caution that infection rates are still going in the wrong direction.

Bradford BID manager Jonny Noble said: “The fact that life is going to get back to something close to normal will be widely welcomed by businesses, especially where it means they can open their doors to more customers and go about their business in a less restrictive way, and by smaller pubs, bars and cafes which haven’t been able to open at all because of the lack of space for social distancing or for tables outdoors.

“The reopening of nightclubs will have a big impact on our evening and night-time economy, as will the lifting of legal limits on the numbers of those who can attend indoor events which will give an enormous boost to theatres, cinemas and other leisure venues.

“We also hope that we will see the return of events that allow people to mingle in the open air and which draw people into the city centre so they can enjoy the shops, hospitality and leisure facilities while they are here.

“However, businesses are very much aware that we’re still in a pandemic and we still need to take care not to put ourselves or others at unnecessary risk."

Peter Down, chairman of Bradford CAMRA, said: "Pubs, bars and restaurants being able to operate freely again will save some businesses and it will be a lifeline for those not able to open since the start of the pandemic.

"People will be wary but vaccinations are having a positive impact. There does come a time when society needs to return to a normal life. We're not going to eradicate Covid, we need to learn to live with it."

Those working in Bradford’s wedding industry – are also excited ahead of July. 19 There have been restrictions on numbers at weddings, as well as social distancing measures, which have meant many in the industry have been “struggling a lot”.

Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: "Given the last 16 months I think we are all naturally cautious about the relaxation of the rules. The Prime Minister may be about to announce changes to the rules, but common sense tells us that we still need to do what we can to keep Covid infections under control.

"We must support businesses to open safely, so that their customers and staff feel comfortable. We must all take responsibility for keeping each other safe.

"Covid infection rates continue to rise across the country and, although they are rising more slowly in the Bradford district than many other places in the country, they are still going the wrong way."