PUBS in Oswestry are set to reopen this weekend with the government easing Covid-19 restrictions.

Although the pubs are able to serve punters once again, various restrictions remain in place regarding social distancing.

Pubs will be using 'contact tracing', meaning they will take the contact details of visitors on entry.

These details will be kept for 28 days so that the pub can contact the visitors in the event of someone having Covid-19 at the venue.

Although all the pubs in town are following their own interpretation of the new rules, most are following a basic guidelines, including restriction service from the bar and introducing table service, booking in advance and implementing social distancing between tables.

Many Oswestry pubs have taken to social media to notify customers of what to expect when they return to their pubs tomorrow.

A spokesman for The Griffin posted on Facebook to outline new rules which customers must follow.

They said: “We will be working towards a capacity which we have estimated ourselves. Once the capacity is reached we will only allow people in once space has become available.

“On arrival we please ask you to use the hand sanitiser provided and we will ask for you to give us your name for contact purposes.

“We recommend you sit down on arrival and opt for table service however we are offering bar ordering also.”

They also outlined rules permitting just two people, not from the same table, to be ordering at the bar at any one time, and customers must sit at a table once their drinks are purchased.

The King’s Head will be reopening, with a post on its Facebook page saying: “With measures in place to keep all our customers and staff as safe as possible, including table service, hand sanitiser stations, bar protection screens and extras tables.”

A spokesman for The Fox Inn confirmed the pub will be reopening, but will mainly look to keep customers outdoors.

Some pubs are turning to technology to prioritise the safety of their customers, with The George, in Bailey Head, using a new app which allows customers to browse drinks and pay from their tables.

A spokesman posted on its Facebook page: “Abiding by the Government rules and regulations for Covid-19 means we are limiting the amount of people allowed in at one time.

“We have partnered with OrderPay to enable you to browse, order and pay for drinks directly from your table and have it brought over to you. Keeping your distance and comfort at the perfect level”

Meanwhile, other pubs have stated they will be prioritising regular customers to minimise the amount of people entering the pub at any one time.

The Oak Inn posted on Facebook: “We have decided not to run a booking system. Instead we will be prioritising our regular customers, those who have supported us over the years, as we feel this is most fair.

“We will be closing the front doors when we don’t have capacity to let anybody else in. You are more than welcome to wait outside, but we will not be able to estimate a time we will be able to let you in.

“You must complete a form upon entry with your contact details to comply with “track and trace”.

“Hand sanitiser stations are available throughout the pub.”

The Cemist is also set to reopen, with Saturday fully-booked.

While many pubs and bars prepare to open, some are delaying their opening, with establishments including the Three Pigeons and the Black Lion choosing to remain closed for the time being.