Pubs group Greene King keen to avoid ‘false start’ in lockdown exit timetable

Pubs giant Greene King on Monday said it does not want a “false start” to the Covid-19 lockdown exit, as the industry prepared for more uncertainty.

The Prime Minister yesterday said that “at least some of the hospitality industry” could reopen in July. A number of pub firms had been hoping for more details.

But Greene King’s chief executive Nick Mackenzie said: “The impact on our 38,000 people and our commitment to customer safety are our primary concerns.”

He added: “We are keen to avoid a false start and the support that the Government has provided in the lockdown will also be needed during the recovery phase.”

Many companies have said they would rather stay closed for longer than reopen and be forced to shut again if the virus recurs.

The British Beer & Pub Association's chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “With insufficient clarity when pubs will reopen, our sector remains in limbo and facing severe uncertainty and financial devastation."