Police took the initiative on the PR front this morning with a series of interviews around the county detailing its robust stance over the re-opening of many pubs and clubs on Saturday night.

Perhaps they might be able to breathe a little easier in Ormskirk at least with bars like Styles closed until Thursday; owner Alun Comer told QLocal's Roger Blaxall yesterday that he's giving his hardworking staff time off to enjoy themselves.

Here's the Police PR:

Police prepare for reopening of bars and pubs

A significant policing operation is in place for the weekend as officers prepare for the reopening of pubs and bars in Lancashire.

From Saturday (July 4) all pubs and bars, closed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, can reopen with restrictions.

Police are encouraging people to enjoy their day, behave responsibly and look after themselves.

Ch Supt Sam MacKenzie, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “We recognise the impact the lockdown has had and understand many people will want to take advantage of bar and pubs reopening.

“We want people to enjoy their day if they are going to the pub but we’d urge them to look after themselves and keep themselves safe.

“There is a significant policing operation in place with extra officers out and about. We also have policing plans in place covering the entire county including large towns and more rural areas.

“If you are going out, please follow the rules of the pub, pace yourself and drink safely.

“We will have extra resources on all weekend to target and deal with crime and anti-social behaviour. At best you can expect to be dispersed or sent home – at worst you can expect to be locked up.”

In June the government announced a series of measures to ease the lockdown in England.

From July 4, social distancing guidance will change from 2m to ‘one metre plus’.

As well as restaurants and pubs, museums and galleries, cinemas, hairdressers, children’s playgrounds and holiday accommodation can reopen from Saturday.

Ch Supt MacKenzie added: “People should remember the guidance on social distancing and keep a safe distance from others. It’s up to people to show individual responsibility and do the right thing.

“The virus has not gone away. Keep a safe distance apart and keep yourself and your families safe. If you don’t feel you can socially distance inside or outside any licensed premises then do the sensible thing and go somewhere else.

"If we don’t control the virus there is a risk of a localised lock down which is something I am sure we would all want to avoid.

“Make sure you plan your journey home – some public transport operators are still running a reduced service and taxis may be hard to come by.”

If you see any large unlawful gatherings or anti-social behaviour then please tell us – either by calling 101 or using our online forms here https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/

And this from the Lancashire Resilience Forum:

Pubs and restaurants – what to expect

Restaurants, pubs and bars are set to re-open on July 4^th – but the way they operate will be different.

New Government guidance has been released ahead of the re-opening with some significant changes to how premises will be run and what businesses need to do to keep customers and staff as safe as possible.

Risk assessments, customer and employee safety, and how to manage toilets are three of the main issues facing businesses as they get ready to re-open on 4 July.

The Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF) is supporting hospitality businesses across Lancashire to re-open under the new guidelines.

The new Covid-19 secure guidance for the hospitality sector can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/opening-certain-businesses-and-venues-in-england-from-4-july-2020

'Keeping workers and customers safe during Covid-19 in restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaways services’, has been prepared by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with input from businesses, unions, industry bodies and the devolved administrations, and in consultation with Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive.

It is expected to be updated over time.

They include essential issues including new rules around service, contactless ordering and hygiene and toilet usage.

The new guidance sets out a range of measures for pubs and restaurants to become Covid-19 secure, including:

• requiring use of table service where possible instead of ordering at the bar and assigning a single staff member per table
• encouraging use of contactless ordering from tables where available, such as through an app
• discouraging non-essential trips by staff within venues, such as between the kitchen and front of house, by using radios and other electronic devices to communicate
• encouraging customers to use hand sanitiser or handwashing facilities as they enter the venue
• providing clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene as people arrive on the premises, with signage and visual aids

Risk assessments must be undertaken for reopening and failure to do so could result in a breach of health and safety law.

An enforcing authority, such as the health and safety executive or the local authority in different areas will monitor this across Lancashire.

Local authorities are also working with businesses on aspects of customer safety such as social distancing guidelines, gathering limits, queuing spaces and clear signage on these issues as well as hygiene.

Premises should keep a temporary record of customers for 21 days and help NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed in a bid to help contain clusters or outbreaks.

The Government will be working with the industry and relevant bodes to design this system in line with data protection legislation.

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, on behalf of the LRF in terms of business transition, said: “I know that many people in the hospitality trade are looking forward to re-opening after more than three months of being forced to close their doors.

“Many members of the public are also looking forward to getting back to their favourite pubs, bars and restaurants but both customers and staff need to be vigilant about the new guidelines in order to protect each other. New hygiene rules and guidance on social distancing are massively important and will help to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

“Guidance and support is available from each local authority for businesses as they prepare for this new phase.”

Jackie Bird, Chief Nurse, NHS North West, said: “If you are going out this weekend, please remember the risk of coronavirus isn’t over, and for some people it can be fatal. “Anyone can get the virus, anyone can spread it. The most important thing you can do is take precautions to keep yourself, your friends and your family safe. We are grateful for the huge level of public support shown for the NHS in recent months and we continue to ask for people’s understanding and help to keep our patients and staff safe.”