Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned people could end up "behind bars" if they get carried away as pubs across England reopen on what has been dubbed Super Saturday.

A major easing of lockdown measures sees pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas opening their doors again under modified social distancing regulations.

But experts have urged people to stick to the rules to avoid creating a second wave of coronavirus.

Mr Hancock told the Daily Mail that people were entitled to enjoy themselves at pubs, but added: "You could end up behind bars if you break the law."

The comments came as the British Medical Association urged revellers to act responsibly this weekend amid fears that emergency departments could see a sharp rise in alcohol-related attendances.

Emergency departments have seen a reduction in alcohol-related injuries during lockdown, however emergency departments are operating with significantly reduced capacity having been re-structured to allow for social distancing in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

This has left doctors very concerned that the new lockdown rules will lead to undue pressure being placed on NHS emergency services.

Meanwhile, a YouGov survey suggests that just 4 per cent of British pub-goers plan on going back today; 1 in 10 say they will never return.

Adults under the age of 24 are the keenest to return this weekend (11 per cent) while older adults aged 50 to 64 (55 per cent) and over 65 (57 per cent) preferring to wait until later this year.

It has been suggested that one way of protecting customers and staff is for venues to keep a log of visitors, including their contact details, so that if a patron later tests positive for Covid-19 the other customers can be contact-traced.

YouGov data shows that two thirds of Brits are happy to supply their details with 3 in 10 very comfortable to do so. Only 30 per cent of adults who visit pubs and restaurants would be uncomfortable giving their details to staff.

A total of 1,618 people were surveyed between July 1 and July 2.

Meanwhile the Health Secretary said he would not "shirk" from shutting pubs and restaurants again and imposing local lockdowns if needed.

He said: "I'm no killjoy, but the virus can still kill. I don't want to see bars and pubs have to close again. I love going to the pub and enjoy a pint or two."

Chancellor Rishi Sunak urged people to make the most of the easing to boost the economy, claiming the public needs to "eat out to help out".

He told the Times: "This is a consumption-driven economy; people used to, three months ago, go out with their friends or family to go and have a meal. Or buy a car, or upgrade their house, or move house. Go camping, come up to the Yorkshire Dales and go coast to coast."

The comments come after chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said the coronavirus pandemic "is a long way from gone" as he urged the public to follow social-distancing rules as the lockdown is eased.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, also warned of the danger of the "superspreading" of Covid-19 occurring in pubs.

Restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas were allowed to begin reopening from midnight, but pubs had to wait until 6am, with Downing Street fearing early morning partying.

The Department for Transport has also published a list of 73 countries and territories where English tourists can visit without self-isolating on their return.

It features popular short-haul destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, as well as long-haul locations including Australia, Barbados, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Vietnam.

China, Portugal, Thailand, the Maldives and the US are among the notable absentees.