Prime minister expected to confirm indoor hospitality reopening today

The prime minister is expected to confirm later today whether indoor hospitality in England will be able to reopen on 17 May as part of the next phase of lockdown easing.

According to phase three of the government's roadmap, this means restaurants, pubs, bars can serve customers indoors, though they will be limited to table service.

People can meet inside in a group of six or maximum of two households, while groups of up to 30 can meet outdoors or attend weddings and receptions.

All hotels, hostels and B&B's will also be able to open indoors, rather than just those offering self-contained accommodation.

Cabinet minister Michael Gove confirmed on the Andrew Marr Show on Sunday (9 May) that restrictions on close social contact were set to be lifted in the coming weeks.

"All being well the Prime Minister will confirm tomorrow that there will be a relaxation…as we move into stage three of our roadmap it will be the case that we will see people capable of meeting indoors," Gove said.

Indoor entertainment venues will also be able to reopen and some larger theatre, music and sporting events will be able to resume inside with a capacity of 1,000 people or while half-full.

Outdoor venues can welcome up to 4,000 people or up to half of their capacity, if it is the lower number.

International travel is also set to resume on 17 May with a ‘green list' of 12 countries that will form travel corridors with England, meaning returning passengers will not have to quarantine.

It expected to be confirmed whether Welsh hospitality can reopen inside on 17 May during the next review on 13 May. Scottish hospitality is already open indoors with tight restrictions, which will also be reviewed before 17 May.

In Northern Ireland 24 May is the indicative date set by the Executive for indoor hospitality reopening.