WITH just one week to go before pubs can reopen to thirsty customers, many are wondering what the new rules will be.

From April 12, pubs and restaurants can reopen, but will only be serving food or drink outdoors.

If all goes to plan, step three of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown should see punters allowed indoors again from May 17.

But what rules should we know before we can enjoy a pint in a beer garden?

1- How many people can I go with?

Hands holding glasses with beer on a table at pub in London. A group of friends is enjoying beer time in the city, close up on the glasses..

Hands holding glasses with beer on a table at pub in London. A group of friends is enjoying beer time in the city, close up on the glasses..

The 'rule of six' will still be in force from April 12, meaning people will still be able to meet up in groups of six - or two households, whichever is greater.

No indoor mixing will be permitted and customers will have to order from their table and stay seated - enabling social distancing.

2- Do I need a vaccine passport?

Vaccine passport - readers views

Vaccine passport - readers views

No, pubgoers will be happy to hear this is not required.

Boris Johnson is expected to reveal a new NHS app that will confirm if a person has either had the jab, a recent negative test or coronavirus in the past six months, according to The Times.

It will be needed to enter sports events, festivals, cinemas, theatres and nightclubs after June 21.

For those without smartphones, a paper certificate will be produced.

3- Do I have to sign in when I go to the pub?

Yes, new test and trace rules for pubs mean everyone over 16-years-old must sign in.

The new rule means every person must now sign in on entry, unlike last year when just one member of a group needed to do this.

This can be done either via the NHS Covid-19 app or in person, by giving a member of staff your contact details.

4- Can I buy a takeaway pint?

Pubs can serve takeaway beer

Pubs can serve takeaway beer

Pubs will be allowed to serve takeaway pints when they reopen for business on April 12.

The Prime Minister's official spokesperson previously confirmed plastic pints will get the green light from "step two, from no earlier than the 12th of April, in line with outdoor hospitality."

However, people sitting in beer gardens will still have to order alcohol via table service, because queuing at the bar is banned.

5- Do I have to order food with my drink?

Scotch eggs at The Harcourt Arms.

Scotch eggs at The Harcourt Arms.

No, you don't need a substantial meal with your booze and there will be no curfew, due to the confusion both rules previously caused.

When the tier system was in force last year, the scotch egg was at the centre of a national debate when ministers disagreed over whether the snack was a "substantial meal" in tier 2 areas of the country.

What else will reopen on April 12?

  • Non-essential shops, personal care premises and public buildings
  • Most outdoor places and attractions can reopen, including zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events
  • Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and spas, will open their doors to customers once again
  • Overnight stays will be allowed away from home in this country, including self-contained accommodation. They must be used by members of the same household
  • Weddings and receptions can go ahead with up to 15 attendees in places that are allowed to open
  • Although not something to look forward to, bereavements will again become easier for families, as wakes will be allowed with 15 people and funerals can be held with up to 30 people
  • Public buildings, such as libraries and community centres
  • Pilots of large events will begin
  • Driving tests can resume