BARS and cafes across the Isle of Wight have been reacting to the news last night (Monday) of an extension to the final stage of lockdown.

The continued measures mean capacity limits for sports, pubs and other indoor venues will remain until at least July 19.

Georgina Gibbs, manager of Shanklin's Steamer Inn, is one of many in the local hospitality industry who appreciates the reasons for the Prime Minister's announcement.

She said: "I wasn't surprised by the announcement and for us it's not a bad thing.

"We've got fewer tables because of social restrictions but we don't have enough staff for additional customers at the moment, so it hasn't affected us negatively.

"The best thing about lifting restrictions for us would have been staff not having to wear face masks, which are incredibly difficult when you're busy and the weather is hot."

Isle of Wight County Press: The Steamer Inn remains busy with a number of Covid safe rules in place.The Steamer Inn remains busy with a number of Covid safe rules in place.

Jo, owner of No64 in Ryde echoed Georgina's sentiments regarding masks.

She said: "Although the extension of lockdown itself won't really make a difference to us, having to wear masks will.

"In our industry it is so important for people to see your whole face and when you're smiling.

"That said, I do believe Island hospitality as a whole will have a good summer despite the lockdown rules."

Venues on the Island have been going out of their way in the build-up to what's expected to be a busy summer season.

Christina, owner of Beach Cafe 34 in Shanklin, said: "We do everything we can to run a clean, Covid safe cafe for both customers and staff.

Isle of Wight County Press: Beach Cafe 34.Beach Cafe 34.

"We thought the extension was likely to happen, so although we got our hopes up we weren't completely shocked.

"I think everyone was getting used to a little bit more normality, so it's another setback."

Tony Groves, co-owner of Lady Scarlett's Tea Parlour in Ventnor, believes the correct decision was made, and people need to remain vigilant.

He said: "I think it's a good idea we extend the lockdown because with this new variant being more transmissible it makes sense while more vaccinations are being done.

"People have been getting a bit more complacent recently, so we have to remind everyone to wear their masks and sanitize when they come in."

England was due to move to stage four of the government's roadmap out of lockdown on 21 June, when venues and events would have been allowed to operate without capacity limits.

During yesterday's press conference, the PM suggested the July 19 date wasn't set in stone, and would depend on data accrued over the coming weeks.