Digesting the rules around alcohol and food

Tier 2 means alcohol can only be served outdoors unless it accompanies a main meal, but what is a main meal?

Bars which have a food offering and hotels can serve alcoholic beverages indoors as long as it is accompanying a main meal.

The S cot t ish Government says businesses have a responsibility to use their common sense.

They say a bag of crisps or nuts is definitely not acceptable, while what is served as a main meal must be substantial, l ike soup and a sandwich, with either on its own not tolerable.

A main meal would typically be a plated meal, usually (though not necessarily) eaten with cutlery, and could include a substantial filled sandwich or panini served with a side such as salad or chips.

A “soup and a sandwich” style meal as well as other more substantial meals which may have more than one course are allowed.

In order to provide bar meals, publicans would need to have this activity (or restaurant facilities) within the operating plan of their premises licence.

Business premises would also have to be registered as a food business under the Food Hygiene Act 1990.

The food must be prepared on the premises.

A drink served while waiting for the meal is treated as part of the meal, along with drinks served while it is consumed, and within reason, afterwards, for example finishing a bottle of wine.

There should be no attempt to frustrate the intention of the rules by failing to eat an ordered meal and making the consumption of alcohol the primary activity.