Businesses across the borough are preparing for 'Freedom Day' on Monday with most formal coronavirus restrictions set to be dropped.

Boris Johnson announced earlier this week that most restrictions will be scrapped from July 19, including the legal requirement to wear face masks and social distance.

But, government guidance, released on Wednesday, encouraged pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to check vaccine and testing status as a condition of entry through the NHS Covid Pass.

Nightclubs are one business that have been particularly affected by the Covid pandemic, having been forced to close throughout.

One prominent Bolton town centre nightclub is taking full advantage of the rule change on July 19, opening as the clock strikes midnight on Monday.

Level, in Nelson Square, is not waiting until the weekend, or even Monday night, to welcome back clubbers, calling it one of their 'biggest ever nights'.

They said: "Freedom is coming! Sunday night at midnight into the 19th we will open doors at 00.01am restriction free. Then we have the Monday night First Dance from 11pm till 5am. Two chances to celebrate freedom in the same day.

"It's one of the biggest nights since we can remember at Level Nightclub. On the strike of midnight ­— we dance."

However, not all hospitality venues will be dropping all restrictions just yet.

The Coffee Shop @ Heaton, in New Hall Lane, has let customers know that they will be sticking with precautions, such as wearing a face covering for staff and customers, and protective screens at the tills.

This is due to Covid cases still being high in Bolton, and to keep staff and customers alike as safe as possible.

They said in a Facebook post: “With guidelines reducing on July 19 we would like to update you on our plans.

“With Covid cases still on the rise, for us it will be business as what has become ‘normal’.

“All our staff (unless exempt) will still be wearing face coverings, our screens will remain place, we won’t be putting back the tables in the front of the shop, we will polite ask that customers continue to wear face coverings on entering and only remove when sat at tables, if you need to go the bathroom or come to the till area for assistance/to look at cakes we would kindly ask that face coverings are still worn.

“We have a duty of care to all our customers and staff members (especially those who are clinically vulnerable) and I’m sure you would want to feel safe whilst dining in our establishment.”