South Tyneside pubs and restaurants urge customers to stay local as they prepare for reopening on July 4

Pubs and restaurants are urging drinkers and diners to stay local as they prepare for lockdown restrictions to be eased this weekend.
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On Saturday, July 4, pubs, bars, restaurants and hair salons can reopen to the public for the first time since the lockdown was imposed at the height of the coronavirus outbreak in March.

After months of seeing no customers through the doors – and with many having to reduce their capacity to adhere to the one-metre social distancing rule - now more than ever is the time support the borough’s businesses, they say.

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It comes in the weeks following the Gazette’s Support Local campaign, which urged the community to get behind local businesses which have been hit hard by the pandemic.

South Tyneside businesses are urging people to stay local when lockdown restrictions are lifted this weekend.South Tyneside businesses are urging people to stay local when lockdown restrictions are lifted this weekend.
South Tyneside businesses are urging people to stay local when lockdown restrictions are lifted this weekend.

Landlady, Gina Smith, who will reopen the Mechanics Arms in East Street on Saturday, has long been pushing for people to support town centre traders.

“It’s really important that people support their local business now more than ever,” she said.

“The last few months have been a real struggle for us – it would be devastating if we had to walk away after 13 years.

“We want to urge everyone to stay local and stay safe.”

Gina Smith (right) of the Mechanics Arms with local business owners Carol Gibson (centre) and Louise Carr, landlady of the Lambton Arms which will also open on Saturday.Gina Smith (right) of the Mechanics Arms with local business owners Carol Gibson (centre) and Louise Carr, landlady of the Lambton Arms which will also open on Saturday.
Gina Smith (right) of the Mechanics Arms with local business owners Carol Gibson (centre) and Louise Carr, landlady of the Lambton Arms which will also open on Saturday.
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Meanwhile pubs on the Lawe Top in South Shields are keen to see people enjoying the once-thriving scene again.

Chris McKellar, landlord of the Harbour Lights, which will reopen on Monday, July 6, said: “At the moment we are focusing on being able to reopen safely, but as things return to some form of normality, there will be a real drive from us to rejuvenate the area and bring life back to the Lawe Top.”

But it’s not just pubs which have taken a hit during the lockdown.

Hairdresser Ashleigh Hall of Wilson Brown in Edinburgh Road, Jarrow is hoping all her customers come back.

Chris and Karen McKellar will reopen the Harbour Lights on Monday, July 6.Chris and Karen McKellar will reopen the Harbour Lights on Monday, July 6.
Chris and Karen McKellar will reopen the Harbour Lights on Monday, July 6.
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“We’re so grateful for everyone’s support, we’re just hoping our regulars come back as it’s very trying times for everyone,” she added.

“A lot of people have resorted to shaving their hair off during the lockdown.”

Council leaders have reminded people to act responsibly and stick to the guidelines while they are out and about.

Coun Tracey Dixon, deputy leader with responsibility for independence and wellbeing, commented: "Whilst we support local businesses such as pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to re-open from this weekend, it is important to remember that the virus is still very much at large and we all have a responsibility to prevent it spreading.

Ashleigh Hall of Wilson Brown hairdressers in Jarrow hopes all her customers will come back. Photo credit: Kyle ScottAshleigh Hall of Wilson Brown hairdressers in Jarrow hopes all her customers will come back. Photo credit: Kyle Scott
Ashleigh Hall of Wilson Brown hairdressers in Jarrow hopes all her customers will come back. Photo credit: Kyle Scott
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"We expect people will be keen to take advantage to go out and we recognise the importance of supporting local business, but we would also remind them that it is still vitally important to follow the guidance. Social distancing has been amended to 1m+ when staying 2m apart is not possible. It is important to remember that this 1m+ guidance only applies when other mitigating factors, such as a face covering or regular hand sanitising, are used as well.

"We have been working with local businesses to make them Covid-secure but individuals have a responsibility to look out for each other and do all they can to protect themselves, each other and the NHS.”

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