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The decision by Prime Minister Boris Johnson comes alongside the announcement that fines for breaching lockdown rules will be heavily increased as Mr Johnson attempts to clamp down on the rising number of COVID-19 cases throughout the UK. From Saturday, August 15, much of the arts sector will thankfully be able to reopen again following months of closure and financial agony.

Small wedding receptions will be allowed to host 30 people following a ceremony, as long as social distancing rules are enforced.

Alongside the arts sector, casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft play centres will be allowed to open their doors again for the first time since March.

Indoor theatre, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences.

“Close contact” beauty services such as facials, eyebrow threading and eyelash treatments can also resume from Saturday.

Trials are currently being run for business conferences, with the hope they will be able to start again from October.

Similar trials are being held for a small number of sporting events to test the safe return of spectators will resume, commencing with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre over the weekend

However, nightclubs are to remain shut and many music venues have said socially distanced gigs would not be economically viable.

These changes were meant to come into effect from August 1, however had to be postponed due to a rise in coronavirus cases in several areas of the country.

The new rules will not apply in areas subject to local lockdown restrictions, such as Manchester, Blackburn and Bradford.

What are the new fines?

Fines for refusal to wear a face mask without a valid reason have been increased to a whopping £3,200 for repeat offenders.

Under current guidance, people who refuse to wear a face-covering where it is required face a £100 fine, which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Organisers of illegal raves face £10,000 penalties under tougher new enforcement measures after a series of parties taking place up and down the country.

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Gatherings of more than 30 people are strictly banned, and fines will be issued for groups over this size congregating.

Announcing the new rules, Boris Johnson said: ”At every stage, I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus.

“Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed.

“However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus.”

He added: “Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent.

In England, face coverings are mandatory in many indoor settings, including public transport, shops and museums, with some exemptions for children or on medical grounds.

Transport for London and British Transport Police have already made 91,501 interventions based on present face coverings guidance, the government said – preventing 4,397 from boarding, asking 3,030 to leave the network and issuing 341 penalty notices.

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