LICENSEES fighting for survival are calling on the government to stick to the roadmap out of lockdown with up to 60 per cent staying closed or opening only weekends until May.

As customers flooded to pub gardens the hospitality industry estimates only around 40 per cent of pubs, restaurants and bars have reopened with many waiting till customers can go inside.

Debbie Di Giorgio, owner and manager of the Three Tuns in Osmotherley for 16 years said she is waiting till May. "It's been a horrendous year, December was really bad. I have been very stressed about when to reopen, I decided to wait, and I think a lot of others are doing the same. We just don't know what is going to happen, but we're hoping for the best and will be so pleased to open."

At the Bluebell Inn at Ingleby Cross, near Northallerton, managers said: "We plan to open weekends until May. The weather was too cold to bring people every night and we couldn’t afford big outdoor heaters. We didn’t want to risk losing out on stock again, we have had to tip barrels out twice already Not being allowed to open indoors has been a major set back."

England has around 37,500 pubs and restaurants, around two thirds are independents, since December 2019 around 2,500 have closed, hospitality industry leaders fear more will go without support. Emma McClarkin, of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "With so many still not opening, it’s crucial the Government sticks to its roadmap and allows reopening indoors from May 17th and without any restrictions at all from June 21st. That is the only way our pubs can trade viably and begin to fully recover."

Martin Caffrey, of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations added: "From May 17 I do believe most will reopen, and from there it depends how it goes. We have been the hardest hit, it has been so damaging. The government has made grant money and assistance available but it is extremely difficult. Pubs are desperately keen to reopen and we are asking the public to support them."