Pubs and licensed clubs in Brigg are now counting down the days until they will be permitted to serve customers indoors once again.
But what's the weather going to be like this weekend, and how cold is it going to get after dusk?
Currently there's outdoor 'table service' only on local licensed premises and this must remain the case over the current weekend and the next.
However, from MONDAY, MAY 17 the Government is due to relax more of its Coronavirus emergency lockdown measures due to a significant fall in the number of reported cases across the country.
This move, known as Step 3, is expected to result in Brigg's Britannia Inn, which only has a small beer garden, joining other local licensed premises with more extensive outdoor areas which reopened last month.
But it appears that some restrictions will still apply from May 17 when the rules will be similar to those introduced last July when licensed premises were allowed to reopen after a lengthy lockdown period.
One interpretation which has been sent to Brigg Blog gives the following 'updated' Primary Guidance For Restaurants, Pubs, Bars And Takeaways.
Premises will "be able to serve customers inside" but visitors will "have to be seated and have table service in premises licensed to sell alcohol."
The signing-in system when people arrive at bar entrances is set to continue from May 17, together with social distancing and hand sanitising measures.
Brigg Blog will be talking to those involved in managing local licenses premises over the next few days in an effort to confirm the exact requirements, and also to North Lincolnshire Council whose roles include public health and licensing.
We intend to prepare another post ahead of May 17 to outline what will be required from customers and licensed premises.
Forecasts suggest that Brigg is to receive more rain today (Saturday, May 8) but after 9pm it's expected to remain dry for the remainder of licensed hours.
Also very welcome will be evening temperatures of 13C or 14C, compared with the chilly 5C/6C endured by hardy souls in local beer gardens over recent weekends.
Tomorrow (Sunday) will see some rain in the morning but this is expected to disappear by lunch-time and the afternoon and evening should remain dry with reasonable temperatures (similar to Saturday night) for this time of year.
Covered areas (open at the sides) are available in many local licensed premises if you are thinking of venturing out for a pint or two tonight or tomorrow.
