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Boris Johnson set out a significant loosening of restrictions on Thursday, that will enable up to six people from different households to mix outside and in gardens from June 1. However, the Prime Minister’s decision not to roll them out until Monday means the country is facing a weekend of temptation as temperatures soar and many head outside. Yesterday, Number 10 insisted people in England must wait for the new freedoms to kick in.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “We’ve said that wherever possible we would give a period of notice in advance of changes being made, ideally 48 hours or more, which is true in this respect.

“The current regulations are in force until Monday. We’re enormously grateful for the efforts of the British public in sticking by the rules and getting the infection rate down.

“That does mean that from June 1 we will be able to allow people to have some more social contact in a safe and socially distanced way.”

Lighter lockdown restrictions come into force from Monday that allow some younger children to return to school. Groups of up to six people will be able to meet up outside as long as they stay two metres apart.

Barbecues are allowed and guests can use the toilet but cannot stay inside or stay overnight.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms will also reopen.

Downing Street said police do not have the power to enter private gardens to check if the new six-person limit is being followed. Concerns have been raised over Mr Johnson’s suggestion that barbecues will be acceptable under the new regime due to fears of people coming too close together and the risk from sharing toilets.

The PM’s spokesman said: “I’m sure that members of the public will show common sense and will want to abide by the rules.”

Meanwhile, pubs with beer gardens are expected to reopen in July at the earliest, the Government has said.

Restaurants with outdoor areas are also likely to be able to serve customers again when restrictions are eased. All venues for socialising, including theatres, clubs and cinemas, have been closed for more than two months after the PM announced the measures on March 20.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said the coronavirus infection rate is believed to be lower outdoors.

He said: “The hospitality sector and ticketed venues will face a challenge getting back into operation.

“And that is why we won’t be loosening the restrictions on them until at least July and even then it is likely that in the case of pubs and restaurants it will begin with beer gardens and outdoor areas only.” The UK’s hospitality sector has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis and faces prolonged pain while social distancing measures remain in place.

Industry leaders called for all pubs to be allowed to reopen at the same time as long as they can put safety measures in place to protect customers and staff.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said: “Reopening pubs and bars should be phased according to agreed protocols to ensure safe spaces for staff members and customers. It should be done on whether they are able to operate safely with social distancing in place, not on whether or not a pub has a garden.

“Forcing businesses that do not have outdoor spaces, but could operate perfectly safely, to stay closed makes no sense.”

British Beer and Pub Association chief Emma McClarkin said the existence of many venues is at risk. She said: “All pubs that are able to fulfil the social distancing requirements should be able to open. We want to explore all opportunities for our nation’s pubs to reopen safely.”

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