The owner of a popular pub has mixed emotions about the potential re-opening of pubs with beer gardens in April and then hospitality serving indoors in May and nightclubs in June.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out his four part plan out of lockdown on Monday afternoon which included timescales for hospitality, leisure and entertainment sectors.

Mike Hales who is the owner of the Butler Arms in Pleasington is hopeful about getting back to business whilst also cautious about the future.

He said: “It has gone on for too long and I am excited and even though it seem like miles away from where we need to be.

“People are talking about the June 21 as the date when they can all go partying which I can see it ending in disaster.

“The beer garden thing could cost a lot of money as you have the costs of beer, costs of staff and then employing staff and then you may have people not turning up and you have stocked up with lots of food.

“We are looking at having a reduced menu similar to the one we have been doing for our takeaway menu with burgers, pizzas and then salads too.

“We will also have some staff in the beer garden and then one or two chefs on. The talk about relaxing everything because of the vaccine giving a ring of protection everywhere against the virus but it was also mentioned there could be tiers in towns or cities which worries me.

“I don’t want people to be going mad in June then by August 31 we could be in lockdown again.”

Meanwhile, bosses at the Parker Arms in the Ribble Valley, near Clitheroe welcomes the news but more details of financial support for the hospitality sector should have been included with the Prime Minister’s announcement.

Stosie Madi chef said: “It is good news and there seems to be an end in sight and in hospitality we need to plan and these dates allow us to do that.

“We want to look at it in a positive way but when we look at rural Lancashire - the beer garden opening is not a viable option because who is going to eat outside in April when it is raining.

“But we will work with what we have got over weekends and day-times as night-times will not be viable.

“I am positive that we have something to plan moving forward but it would have been more encouraging if the financial packages were announced at the same time too.

“Furlough will have to stay until the end of 2021 and VAT rates and business rates have to waivered and that would help the hospitality sector which have been affected by the pandemic.”