TOWELS will soon be coming off the pump handles as pubs up and down the country prepare to reopen.

Just in time for a long spell of fine weather, beer gardens in Devon will soon provide the perfect spot for a refreshing glass or two – under social distancing conditions. We asked a number of hostelries how they view the news.

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin told Mid-Devon Advertiser readers: ‘We are extremely pleased that pubs are re-opening on July 4 after a long hiatus.

‘We are going to discuss the precise government proposals with our pub managers and staff before we comment further on the details.’

But he stressed the Newton Abbot and Teignmouth pubs would be opening on July 4.

Bovey Tracey landlords Eoghan and Ann Kelly have spent the last few months decorating their pub, inside and out.

Speaking from The Bell Inn, Eoghan said: ‘We’re not sure how the opening will be managed, but we’ll be guided by the brewery.

‘Heavitree have been very good by not asking for rent during the lockdown, but they will expect revenues to return.

‘We’re fortunate to have a beer garden so we can reduce “critical mass”, so to speak, and let more customers in. Other pubs though, without a beer garden, might find their running costs outweigh takings. I worry a lot of them might close for good.’

The Bell might have a large beer garden but the Kellys are still faced with logistical problems.

They said: ‘There’s a narrow corridor to the toilets and we can’t use the footpath for drinkers – a street licence costs £300 and you need 2m of footpath width, which we don’t have. We are exploring ways of working and might put in a one-way system.’

Drinkers could also have to pre-book their night out.

Eoghan explained: ‘There’s an app – Hopt – so you can choose and pre-pay for your drinks before arriving.’

It might be a while before the full range of drinks are available in pubs, as Eoghan said: ‘Breweries have furloughed their staff so there may be a problem in getting kegs and casks at first, as it can take up to three weeks – 10 days to brew the beer and another 10 to distribute it. At first I think we’ll be selling bottled beers only.’

Keith Underhill, of the Teignmouth Traders’ Association, said: ‘I think it’s extremely good news for the cafes and restaurants of Teignmouth but I think it’s going to be extremely difficult for the pubs trying to accommodate the new metre rule on distancing.’