Alcohol can be served at tables without food in pubs, clubs, and restaurants from Good Friday.

Since pubs and restaurants opened again on 22 February, alcohol could only be served with a main meal.

Drinks-only table service was due to return from 12 April - but that has been brought forward given the low Covid case numbers, high levels of testing and contact tracing, and the success of the vaccination programme so far.

There will be no time limit on dining or drinking time, food and drink must be ordered before 11pm and establishments must close by 11:30pm.

Customers will have to eat and drink at the table, but they won't have to order and pay at the table.

Masks still have to be worn except for when seated at a table, without the need to be eating or drinking.

The rule of ten people at tables will remain, along with the two-metre distancing rule and the need to collect details for contact tracing.

"I am delighted to see more of our local economy opening up again, so Islanders can enjoy the Easter break, safely, and within remaining guidelines. Our medical advisers have said that the figures show it is safe to bring forward our reconnection plan, and Ministers have acted on that advice. Islanders will no longer be limited in how long they can spend at a restaurant table, and the 10pm closing time has been removed.

"We have made tremendous progress with our vaccination programme and our case numbers remain low. As long as the metrics continue in this vein, we can look forward to an updated timetable and a faster journey to full reconnection. Many Islanders have felt isolated over the last year, and today’s announcement provides another step towards normality." - Senator Lyndon Farnham, Deputy Chief Minister and Economic Development Minister.

It's been agreed that other restrictions will also ease sooner than originally planned.

From 12 April:

• The two-metre physical distancing order is due to be lifted and replaced with guidance.
• Working from home guidance will be lifted.
• There will be no limits on how many people can gather in venues for the likes of controlled wedding receptions, wakes or theatre performances. Masks will still have to be worn indoors.
• Up to 20 people will be able to gather in people's homes, gardens or in public places such as beaches
• There will be no limits on the number of people who can attend sporting events.

From 10 May:

• Alcohol can be served from the bar
• Saunas and jacuzzis can reopen.

The final stage is still set for 14 June - which includes:

• No limits on gatherings in people's homes and gardens
• Dancing being allowed in nightclubs again
• Large events and festivals being allowed subject to case numbers at the time and a risk assessment.

"After considering advice from STAC we are confident that it is now safe to bring forward the next stages of our reconnection plan. We are maintaining a phased approach, which safeguards our community and our successful vaccination programme, while also relaxing restrictions and allowing Islanders to resume more of their regular activities.

"It has now been a year since we went into lockdown. Today we remembered those who lost their lives during this pandemic and took time to reflect on the impact of the virus on all our lives. This has been a year unlike any other, and the isolation has proved challenging for many of us.

"The latest figures on active cases and vaccination implementation show that we can now afford to bring forward the relaxation of restrictions and look forward to further reconnection with confidence. We will, however, remain vigilant and I would urge Islanders to continue to play their part by following the remaining guidance." - Senator John Le Fondre, Chief Minister.

The government says more specific guidance for sectors will be published on its website by Friday 9 April, in time for the easing of restrictions from 12 April.