Councils in England handed power to close pubs and restaurants until July . (PA) The Government has extended lockdown laws to allow councils in England to close public spaces, shops, restaurants and bars until 17 July 2021, according to The Telegraph. Changes were made as part of a lockdown review by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and entail an extension of a law that was due to expire soon. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020 was a law initially introduced in July of 2020. The law allows English local authorities to limit access to or close premises and public spaces in its area to prevent the spread of coronavirus.