'We all need to play our part’, that’s the message from Hull City Council as restrictions are lifted and more people visit the city’s shops, bars and restaurants.

As the country continues on the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, more people have been enjoying the return to normality.

Shops have reopened, bars and restaurants are now able to accommodate customers both indoors and outside, and theatres have opened their doors – many for the first time in more than a year.

However, the lifting of restrictions has also presented new challenges for businesses – businesses desperate to avoid a return to stricter restrictions.

In the coming weeks the European Football Championships, Olympics and Wimbledon are expected to result in more people socialising in bars and gathering for special organised events.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The easing of restrictions has been warmly welcomed by all of us. For many of us, the opportunity to share a drink with friends in a bar or visit the theatre has been invaluable following months of difficult lockdown and isolation.

“The response from our business community to the challenges presented by coronavirus has been nothing less than extraordinary – in many cases they have gone above and beyond to create safe and responsible environments for customers and staff.

“We therefore have an obligation to them to ensure that when visiting a restaurant, or attending an event, we do all we can to support these businesses and organisations by behaving appropriately and responsibly.

“Nobody wants to see a return to stricter restrictions, and therefore we all need to play our part”.

As we continue the roadmap out of lockdown and more businesses re-open, Hull City Council is continuing to work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to visit and support local businesses.

Rachel Stephenson, head of public protection at Hull City Council, said: “We’ve been supporting businesses throughout the pandemic; helping them adjust to different rules and regulations and supporting them in making their premises as safe as possible.

“One of the biggest challenges businesses face is managing customers who fail to respect guidelines and the systems that have been put in place.

“It’s a responsibility for all of us to pay extra care and attention when visiting our local businesses to make sure that they can operate smoothly and safely. The responsibility to keep our shops, bars and restaurants safe and open is on all of us - not just businesses.”

For the latest information and safer business guidance visit www.gov.uk.

Businesses are encouraged to contact Hull City Council if they require extra support or advice. They can contact the council here.