PUBS and nightclubs in the city have welcomed news that restrictions will be lifted in July.

One staff member said: “The hospitality industry has not been a nice place to work the last 18 months."

They spoke out after the prime minister announced plans to end covid restrictions on July 19.

Pubs and bars will no longer have a legal requirement to provide table service and face coverings will no longer have to be worn, however government guidance suggests people should continue to wear them in certain environments.

Each venue will be able to make its own decision on how they handle the new rule changes, here is what some of Worcester’s bars plan to do when ‘freedom day’ arrives.

The Swan Inn Barbourne said: “This is great news. It makes our life easier not having to police people and asking them to sit down or wear a mask.

“We will celebrate freedom day on Tuesday. Shame they couldn’t do it for the Euros final.”

There will also be celebrations at nightclub Tramps who will be doing away with all restrictions as soon as the clock strikes midnight on July 19.

Saracens Head are also planning to ditch the restrictions but won’t be going overboard with the festivities.

They said: “We will be stopping everything on freedom day. The sooner we get back to normal the better.

“The hospitality industry has not been a nice place to work the last 18 months. Table service has been horrendous for the staff and puts them at risk, going from table to table.

“Constantly telling customers not to do this and that has taken the fun from going to the pub.”

The Imperial Tavern told us they will be discussing the matter with their customers to come to a decision that makes everyone feel safe.

Pub chain Greene King operate several pubs in the area and chief executive Nick Mackenzie is glad to see the end of lockdown restrictions.

He said: “We can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best and give our customers the great pub experience they so love and make the most of the remaining summer so we can start getting back to being a thriving industry.

“It’s been a difficult time for everybody but as we start to come out of this crisis and learn to live with the virus, we still need the government to support the rebuilding of the hospitality sector.”

Greene King own such as the Fox Inn, Glovers Needle and Ye Olde Talbot Talbot.

If Mr Mackenzie’s words are to go by, restrictions are expected to be fully lifted at all venues.

The announcement was made on Monday, July 5.