Publicans at each end of the peninsula have warned reopening pubs before the end of this month may not be as simple as just unbolting the doors and start pulling pints.

As Nub News reported last week government ministers have identified June 22 as the day pubs with gardens and outside spaces will be able to reopen, with bars and restaurants fully operational on July 4, and Cabinet will discuss the plans tomorrow (Tuesday).

Pubs on the peninsula have been hammered financially after losing trade the Easter weekend, VE day, two bank Holidays, half-term and the hot weather which saw hundreds of people flock to the area, but could not enjoy a drink or meal on licensed premises.

Some pubs, like the Bristol Arms and Wheatsheaf have been offering limited takeaways during lockdown, and, while keen to reopen, are cautious about the practicalities.

A number of measures, including using mobile phone apps to order and pay for drinks and food, putting up perspex screens, measuring out spaces (either one or two metres) and constant cleaning of facilities, may not be practical for smaller, independent pubs, than the larger national chains.

Whatever measures pubs put in place it remains the responsibility of customers to maintain keep a certain distance, make sure they wash their hands properly.

Shane Rolin, Bristol Arms landlord in Shotley Gate, said: "Once we know where we stand, and what is expected, we will try our utmost to find practical solutions to allow our industry to pick itself of the floor and return to being the hub of the communities we are in.

"People in the community have been amazing and supportive, and if we all show a bit of respect and understanding, we will get through this most difficult of times.

"Like many hardworking local businesses in the pub industry we are keenly watching the various proposals that are being put forward for the re-opening of the pub industry.

"Each pub is different, and the kind of community hub that we are lucky to have many of on the peninsular, are vastly different from town and city centre bars. They can not be expected to adhere to an identical set of rules and regulations.

"Unfortunately many of the proposals being pushed about at the moment are only really relevant or practical for the larger chains and are being driven by them.

"Smaller independent, local pubs most definitely will not be able to put up an array of perspex screens and booths, nor will they be using contact-less apps for ordering, or taking customers temperatures on entry.

"These kind of suggestions are not helpful and show the disconnect, between the big money chains and the local community hubs which represent the majority of real pubs in the country.

"Although we can't do many of these pie in the sky things, what we can and will do, is make a real effort to mitigate the risk for both our customers and staff, and this relies on good old fashioned common sense, from both the pub and the customers.

"We must do this without destroying the very fabric of what it is to be a pub.

No solution will be perfect, and we should not kid ourselves that it is, but our ingenious and hard working independents in the industry will still have safety at the forefront of their mind."

Anna Durance and Kev Jackson own the CAMRA award-winning Wheatsheaf Beer House in Tattingstone, which has almost two acres of outside space. However, they won't be opening until July 4 at the earliest, and even then it may be in the style of a Private Members Club, or by invitation only.

"I realise that may seem a bit unfair, but feel if all customers (at one time) are well known to each other, they are more likely to respect each others health and safety," said Anna.

"We are a small country pub, with a small amount of trade, just the two of us, no staff, few overheads so this may actually be feasible, but I do realise this would not be an option for so many."

"My idea of the way of opening is really just in the fantasy stage as it does obviously run the risk of upsetting and alienating many of our customer base, and feel it would actually take a lot of courage to do it.

"It's going to be a huge financial struggle for all, less customers, less drinking, more work to do, means far less profit. We don't make much profit as it is, but all we want or need is enough to keep us going."

Nub News reported last week how the Bull at Brantham had opened for takeaways on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while the Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill was opening with a limited takeaway menu as from this Wednesday.

The Shipwreck at Shotley marina, is expected to reopen on July 4, with its large outside area overlooking the harbour to Harwich and Felixstowe.

The Tattingstone White Horse, Kings Head at Stutton and Shotley Rose have been providing takeaways throughout.

According to the Financial Times, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is among half a dozen ministers, calling themselves the "save summer six", seeking to accelerate the reopening of the economy.

Downing Street said on Monday that the government "continued to follow the road map" published by the government last month, which said the hospitality sector would open no sooner than July 4, but three senior Whitehall officials said the target date was June 22.

Boris Johnson told MPs on May 28 that he hoped that date could be brought forward and his spokesman said the prime minister wanted it to happen "as soon as possible". A government "pubs task force" was developing "safe ways for them to reopen at the earliest opportunity".

Some scientists are worried that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is lifting lockdown too early, risking a resurgence of Covid-19 infections, but he is now convinced that the economy is facing a cliff-edge unless it starts to reopen.

The Sunday Times reported that Mr Johnson simply said "Christ!" when warned by Alok Sharma, business secretary, last week that 3.5m jobs were at risk in the hospitality sector.

Mr Sharma has been asked by Mr Johnson to make the case for cutting Britain's 2m social distancing rule to allow for more customers to be served in commercial premises. The business secretary spoke to his Danish counterpart on Sunday to discuss the operation of that country's 1m rule.

Robert Jenrick, housing and local government secretary, is reviewing planning rules to make it easier for pubs and bars to use outdoor areas.

Cabinet office minister Michael Gove, transport secretary Grant Shapps, and culture secretary Oliver Dowden are also involved in the "save summer" project.