Doors to restaurants and pubs may open by 22 June as two metre rule is reconsidered

Restaurants and pubs may be able to serve customers outdoors from 22 June under new plans being drawn up to accelerate the revival of the hospitality sector.

The Financial Times has spoken to senior officials who have confirmed that the target date could be brought forward from 4 July, although there has been no response yet from Downing Street.

Meanwhile, having been alarmed by the prospect of millions of job losses in hospitality, prime minister Boris Johnson is also keen on cutting social distancing from two metres to one, if the move can be justified through scientific evidence.

The plans to further ease the lockdown include relaxing planning controls to allow pubs, cafés and restaurants to use outside areas; allowing up to 10 people to attend indoor weddings and funerals from early July; and permitting outdoor weddings for all faiths.