When and how are pubs allowed to open?

What are the rules for pubs in England?

All pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality venues in England permitted to operate must close by 22:00. Venues that are licensed to serve alcohol are restricted by law to table service only, except for takeaways. In all cases, table bookings of more than six are not allowed and groups can’t mingle. Staff in hospitality venues must now wear masks, as must customers when not seated at their table. The penalty for not wearing one, or breaking the ‘’rule of six’’ has doubled to £200 for a first offence.

What about ‘’high’’ and ‘’very high’’ risk areas?

The Liverpool City Region will be placed under ‘’very high’’ coronavirus alert from Wednesday 14 October. This means pubs and bars there cannot open unless they ‘’operate as if they were a restaurant’’ and serve ‘’substantial’’ meals. Alcohol can only be served as part of those meals. People in Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland, are banned from mixing in pubs or restaurants with anyone from outside their own household.

What are the new rules in Scotland?

Bars and restaurants in Scotland currently have to close at 22:00 Under the new rules, all licensed premises in the Central Belt must close completely until Sunday 25 October at the earliest. That means the area covered by the health boards for Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Lothian, Forth Valley and Ayrshire and Arran - where cases of the virus have been rising sharply. It includes Edinburgh and Glasgow.

If a customer tests positive, will the pub or restaurant have to close?

Possibly, but not necessarily. Official government advice says an NHS Test and Trace call does not always mean a pub or restaurant must close. It depends on the circumstances and when the infected person visited. NHS Test and Trace could ask staff to: get tested for Covid-19 take extra care with social distancing self-isolate “in some circumstances” Several pubs have temporarily closed after customers or staff tested positive for coronavirus.

What are the pub rules around the rest of the UK?

In Wales, pubs, bars and restaurants stop serving at 22:00, and customers will have to be off the premises by 22:20. Supermarkets and off-licences are not allowed to sell alcohol after that time. In Northern Ireland, pubs have to stop serving at 22:30 and must shut their doors by 23:00.

Is it safe to go to the pub?

Guidance has been issued on measures that pubs and restaurants must take. They include: The option of ordering food on apps Staff should wash their hands before handling plates and cutlery Music should be kept at a low volume to avoid people needing to shout, which increases the risk of transmission Pub-goers will be encouraged to book tables in advance Live gigs will be allowed, but should be outside where possible Controlled access to toilets