STREET FOOD
Can I go to the pub in Tier 2? New Covid rules explained
POPPING into your local boozer for a quick pint won't be an option for areas hit by new Tier 2 restrictions to fend off coronavirus.
Pubgoers will have to order a substantial meal to accompany their drink, when England's second national lockdown lifts on December 2.
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Can I go to the pub in Tier 2?
There is some cheery news for pub fans itching to get back to their local.
You'll be able to visit pubs and bars from December 2.
But, there's a catch.
Tier 2 rules have been “beefed up” and pubs can only serve booze alongside a “substantial meal” - including outside.
Pubgoers will only be able to dine with people they live with indoors, but can sit with people outside their household outside under the 'rule of six'.
And in a glimmer of good news, the hated 10pm curfew is set to be scrapped - with an hour of drinking and dining time now extended until 11pm under Tier 2.
What are the new Tier 2 rules for going to the pub?
Under the new Tier 2, pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants.
From December 2, pubs and bars can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.
Plus, in Tier 2:
- Pubs and bars operating as restaurants must provide table service only
- They must remain closed between 11pm and 5am
- However hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt from this closure rule
- Tier 2 pubs and bars must stop taking orders after 10pm
- Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm
- But, this must be organised through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
Across all tiers, everyone must wear a face covering in most indoor public settings, unless they have an exemption.
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Why do I need to order a meal with my drink?
The government has said that people visiting bars and pubs must order a substantial meal with their drink.
It's not clear why that rule has been put in place, but landlords are fuming about the restriction.
Ongoing Covid-19 restrictions mean "wet" pubs stand to lose on average £47,000 next month, it is estimated.
The tweaked coronavirus rules have baffled publicans, who have not been told why the bug is less likely to circulate in establishments that have kitchens than ones that do not.
The boss of pub group Fuller's warned that some of its London pubs will not be viable in new Tier 2 restrictions.
CEO Simon Emeny said: "The need to offer substantial meals means some of London pubs are not viable - we can not build a kitchen in four days.
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"It's really challenging on our supply chain as well.
"We'd typically want the cask beer arriving in our pubs today to reopen next week so only finding out today has given us an uphill task, but we are rising to it, as are our suppliers."
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