THIRSTY Brits enjoyed their first pint inside a pub this year as the clock struck midnight.
Boozers toasted their newfound freedom as indoor mixing was finally allowed for the first time since November.
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Pubs and restaurants can finally reopen in full today – while Brits can also hug family and mix with pals indoors in groups of up to six.
But Boris Johnson urged Brits to enjoy their new freedoms with a “heavy dose of caution”.
He said: “I urge everyone to be cautious and take responsibility when enjoying new freedoms today in order to keep the virus at bay.”
Delighted punters were pictured enjoying pints across the country as the clock struck midnight.
Darren Lee, owner of The Oak Inn in Coventry, said 100 people gathered for a drink after he opened his doors at midnight.
He said the early opening had been “very well received”, adding his locals were “really glad to be back inside – they’re really up for it”.
Ian Snowball, owner of Showtime Bar in Huddersfield, said it was “incredible” to be able to open his doors for those wanting a drink inside.
He said: “The anticipation and the planning has been amazing. We’ve got all the staff here and everyone’s happy.
“It’s nice to be inside, warm … I don’t have to have a hoodie or a coat on any more – it’s great.
“And hopefully we don’t have to go back outside again, hopefully this is the end of it now.”
Step Three in Boris Johnson’s roadmap is the biggest unlocking so far – with hugs, holidays and casual sex back on the cards.
And those happy to brave the rain can meet in groups of up to thirty in a pub garden.
Customers will still need to order, eat and drink while seated – with propping up the bar off the table for the time being.
When not seated – for example, while being taken to a table or heading to the toilet – punters must ensure they’re wearing face coverings.
Despite larger numbers allowed to meet outside, social distancing between different groups will be encouraged.
Nine million pints will be downed and seven million meals eaten as 140,000 pubs, restaurants and cafés fully reopen today.
It will be an unofficial Booze Holiday Monday on Britain’s biggest day off for 18 months outside major holidays — with annual leave up 50 per cent.
With hugs also allowed, some 14million hospitality customers will embrace the day, with 2.5million heading to pubs, 4.5million to restaurants and seven million to cafés and coffee shops.
Over the week, it is estimated we will drink 60million pints.
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “There is significant demand for the indoor reopening of pubs and restaurants after 14 months of severely disrupted trading.”
Steven Alton, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: “Some pubs open outdoors had drink stocks already in cellars — but they have had to add to them with fresh orders due to an expected increase in demand.”
Last night the PM said he will push ahead with today’s easing of restrictions – but all Brits “must play their part” and be responsible.
Striking a sombre tone, he said: “Together we have reached another milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution.
“We are keeping the spread of the variant first identified in India under close observation and taking swift action where infection rates are rising.”
He vowed to “accelerate” Britain’s “extraordinary vaccination programme” so more are protected against the bug.
