PUB owners across Test Valley have revealed they are raring to serve customers again in the spring as England is eased out of lockdown. On Monday, the Prime Minister announced outdoor venues like beer gardens could open from April 12 at the earliest in a bid to free the country of coronavirus restrictions. As part of Boris Johnson's four-stage plan, step 2 means customers will have to stay seated when they order food or drink outside. The Government has binned the previous "substantial meal" rule, or Scotch egg rule, and scrapped the nightly curfew due to the confusion both caused. Thirsty customers may be allowed to drink and dine inside pubs from May 17 during step 3, but visitors must stick to the rule of six or, if there are more people, two households.