PUBS and restaurants could stay closed until July after councils were given powers to extend lockdown restrictions in their local area, it has been reported.

The law allowing local authorities to close or limit access to premises or outdoor spaces was first introduced last July and were due to expire next week.

According to the Daily Telegraph, local councils now have the ability to close pubs, restaurants, shops and public spaces until July 17.

The move does not mean lockdown has been extended.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday, January 22, that Government could not consider easing lockdown restrictions with infection rates at the current level.

Mark Harper, chairman of the Covid Recovery Group – made up of lockdown-sceptic Tory MPs –  is reported to have said: "The extension of councils' Covid powers until July will be of great concern to those worried about their jobs and businesses.

"Once the top four risk groups have been vaccinated and fully protected by March 8, assuming the Government hits the February 15 deadline, the Government must start easing the restrictions.”

It comes after Government scientists urged ministers to delay reopening of pubs until May to slow Covid spread.

A team of experts modelling the pandemic called for hospitality venues to remain closed until May, warning that reopening society too quickly could have a “disastrous” effect.

The research suggested that even if 90% of people are vaccinated against coronavirus, 10% would still be at risk of serious infection.

Conservative MPs have put pressure on Boris Johnson to ignore scientific advice as the hospitality sector warned such measures could help kill off more businesses.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said pubs across the UK will be lost for good if they cannot reopen until May.

She said: “The Government has a duty to tell publicans when it plans to let them reopen with a clear roadmap alongside the vaccination programme.

“If it won’t be until May then it needs to extend financial support for them to survive and to brewers whose businesses also face jeopardy.”