Confusion and uncertainty reign as pubs and bars grapple with the prospect of more local lockdowns

Hospitality staff tell Ben Chapman of fear and fatigue over talk of local lockdowns

Widespread outbreak could devastate hospitality industry (Reuters)

Large areas of northern England and the Midlands look set to join central Scotland in facing new restrictions to halt a second wave of coronavirus.  

Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle are among cities that could go quiet next week if government plans are confirmed.

Reports of those plans are fuelling a growing sense of unfairness in many areas, particularly those that have already been subjected to tougher restrictions while some southern areas, notably Boris Johnson’s own constituency, have escaped despite high infection rates.