MINISTER:
THIS PUB MEAL IS SUBSTANTIAL
FRESH confusion about new coronavirus restrictions has been raised after a cabinet minister suggested drinkers could order a Scotch egg with their pint to get around some of the rules.
Under new measures being introduced tomorrow, pubs and bars in Tier 2 can only open to serve ‘substantial meals’ – and diners must leave soon after they finish their food.
But the government has failed to define what types of food count, and environment secretary George Eustice added to the uncertainty.
‘I think a Scotch egg probably would count as a substantial meal if there were table service,’ he told LBC Radio yesterday. ‘Often that might be as a starter but yes I think it would (count).’
Downing Street later insisted there was no confusion but was unable to say whether a Scotch egg was a ‘substantial’ meal. The prime minister’s spokesman said: ‘We’ve been clear – bar snacks do not count as a substantial meal but it’s well-established practice in the hospitality industry what does.’ Tomorrow’s new rules will place more than 57 per cent of England in the middle tier, which also bans households from mixing indoors. More than 41 per cent will be in Tier 3, where pubs and restaurants can only offer a takeaway or delivery service.
Labour last night said it would abstain in today’s vote on the restrictions, which will likely pass despite dozens of Tory MPs expected to rebel. The government said the measures were vital to curb the spread of Covid, which yesterday claimed a further 205 lives in the UK amid 12,330 new cases.
Prime minister Boris Johnson insisted the tiers are needed while ‘the scientific cavalry really are almost here’, as he said a jab could be available ‘in a few weeks’. But critics claim there is little evidence to back up the need for many of the ‘authoritarian’ rules.
Meanwhile, health minister Nadhim Zahawi, who is responsible for the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, said hospitality venues may insist on seeing proof of the jab via so-called ‘immunity passports’ before allowing entry.