Wedding receptions, theatres and more get go ahead in England from this week

But tougher fines are being imposed on those who do not comply with the rules.

The government will further lift lockdown restrictions in England from this weekend – but with tougher fines for those who flout rules.

Small wedding receptions, indoor theatres, music venues, bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, indoor play areas, and casinos will be allowed to reopen their doors for the first time in months on Saturday.

Socially distanced audiences will be allowed back into indoor venues, but nightclubs, dance halls and sexual entertainment venues will remain closed.

Tattoo studios, beauty salons, spas and hairdressers will also be able to offer additional services, including front of face treatments such as eyebrow threading. All workplaces must stick to guidelines, with regular cleaning and hand washing taking place.

However, as the restrictions are eased, punishments for rule-breakers will become more tough.

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Those who repeatedly refuse to wear a mask could face a fine of £3,200, while organisers of illegal raves of more than 30 people could face a £10,000 penalty, the prime minister said.

Currently, anyone who refuses to wear a face covering where it is compulsory face a £100 fine, which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

But under the new measures, that penalty will double for subsequent offences, up to a maximum of £3,200.

In England, face coverings are mandatory on public transport and in shops and museums, with some exemptions for children or those who cannot wear one due to medical issues.

The announcement comes as France, the Netherlands, Malta, Monaco, Aruba and Turks and Caicos were added to the UK’s quarantine list.

In a major step forward in lifting restrictions, indoor venues will be permitted to open as long as they operate at a reduced capacity and limit ticket sales to make sure social distancing can be maintained.

There could also be increased delays between performances as venues will be required to undertake deep cleans before the next audience arrives. Those on stage will also have to keep to social distancing rules.

Meanwhile, small wedding receptions of up to 30 guests maximum will resume. But they will only be permitted to take place in the form of a small sit-down meal in a location that adheres to Covid-19 guidelines.

No more than 30 people will be allowed to attend and ceremonies should be kept ‘as short as reasonably possible’, No 10 said.

The government is also set to allow a small number of sporting events to resume as part of a pilot to test the safe return of larger crowds.

It will start with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.

If venues are able to successfully keep fans socially distanced, sport arenas could be allowed to reopen to the public from October 1.

Announcing the new rules, Boris Johnson said most people are following the rules but warned that ‘we cannot be complacent’ and he will ‘not hesitate to put on the brakes’ to control the virus.

He said: ‘That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules.

‘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.’

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