There were no fireworks to commemorate July 4 in the United Kingdom, but it was nonetheless a day of great national significance. After weeks of gradually easing the countrys lockdown restrictions, England largely threw open its doors on Saturday. Pubs, restaurants, hair salons, amusement parks, hotels, museums, and other venues are allowed to welcome visitors once again, marking the end of what Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the countrys long national hibernation.

Given the central role that pubs play in British life, their reopening has been viewed as a key marker of the countrys return to normalcy amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But the idea of throngs of revelers gathering together for a celebratory pint has also raised fears that the price of a drink may be a spike in coronavirus infections.

Dont overdo it, Johnson warned the public on Friday backtracking from earlier statements encouraging people to enjoy a night out on the town in order to jumpstart the U.K. economy.