Businesses across Gedling borough are preparing to reopen with the looming easing of Covid restrictions on April 12.
As of this date, all non-essential shops are allowed to return to operation and pubs and bars are allowed to open their outdoor spaces.
Currently, all non-essential retail and hospitality venues are unable to open due to the restrictions imposed by the government with the third national lockdown.
Many businesses have used the closure time proactively to improve their services.
Beccy Webster, owner of the Gedling Inn on Main Road, said: “We’ve built a new beer garden with a play area.
“We have painted all the benches and have new umbrellas if it’s not good weather
“We’ve also got an area for entertainment, such as singers, and a tv.
“As soon as the road map was announced it gave us all a big boost to get out there and do something and think about it positively instead of waiting for something to happen.
Although the lockdowns have had a huge impact on Gedling’s businesses, people’s spirits remain high and the excitement to get back to a sense of normality is very apparent.
Beccy said: “Although we want you to have a great time, we want you to stick to restrictions so everyone comes out of the road map properly.”
Alex Smith, 21, is the owner of a new cocktail bar opening in Arnold town centre on the April 12.
Sasha’s Bar, based on Front Street, is preparing to open its doors for the very first time.
Alex said: “It’s not the best time to open but we are looking at it is a positive.
“It will ease staff back into work only having 16 customers at a time.”
They are putting together plans to ensure they are Covid secure and following government guidelines.
He continued: “We’re only opening outdoors where we can get up to 16 people outside with social distancing in place.
“Nobody is allowed inside unless it’s the toilet and it will be a one in one out system.
“We are considering time blocks of 2 hours only, which we think the government is going to do anyway.”
Gedling business owners are remaining optimistic and hopeful for the foreseeable future and returning to work with their community.
If there are going to be 2 hour restrictions on the times to be able to sit outside a pub then I know for sure there will be a lot of people that won’t bother going out. I certainly won’t. I think this will have a knock on effect for a lot of pubs as it won’t be worth them opening up until all restrictions are lifted.
I hope the neighbours have been warned about that giant TV screen. How are the Gedling Inn owners going to control noise nuisance?
yes hope gedling in won’t be to noisy sheltered accommodation are near neighbours.