Some pubs and restaurants in England could reopen in two weeks, according to a report.

The Government's lockdown easing plan had been to keep the hospitality sector closed until at least July 4. Downing Street said the plan has not changed.

But according to the Financial Times, three senior Government officials have said authorities are considering a target date of June 22 for pubs and restaurants with outdoor areas.

There are fears of mass job losses if pubs and restaurants - which have already missed out on Easter and May bank holidays - miss out on the summer season.

A group of ministers, who call themselves the "Save Summer Six", are hoping to reopen those businesses sooner than July 4.

Tottenham Independent:

Pubs could reopen sooner than planned, according to reports. Photo: Pixabay

The group includes Chancellor Rishi Sunak, housing and local government secretary Robert Jenrick, transport secretary Grant Shapps, culture secretary Olive Dowden, business secretary Alok Sharma, and Cabinet office minister Michael Gove.

Mr Jenrick is currently reviewing planning rules to make it easier for pubs, bars and restaurants to use outdoor areas.

When the hospitality sector reopens, social distancing rules are expected to be in place.

But the British Beer and Pub Association and UK Hospitality has voiced concerns that the two metre rule could restrict customer numbers to such an extent that businesses will not be able to make enough money to stay afloat.

Tottenham Independent:

Pubs and restaurants were told to close in late March. Photo: Pixabay

UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme over the weekend: “At two metres you are receiving 30 per cent of your normal revenues, at one metre it gets up to 70 per cent – so it is the difference between success and failure for many of those businesses. They will need support if two-metre social distancing is in place.

“If that is what the science says and if that is what our public health needs, that is what we will maintain. We just need to have the additional Government support to make that workable.”

Meanwhile, the Government confirmed over the weekend that places of worship can reopen for private prayer on June 15 - the same day that non-essential shops are allowed to reopen.