The next milestone date of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions is the reopening of indoor dining, pubs, and other establishments like cinemas on May 17.
This is still going ahead despite the concern caused by rising rates of the Indian Covid variant.
The first phase in easing lockdown measures started on March 8, when schools reopened in England, followed by March 29, when England saw the stay-at-home order end and the rule of six return.
This was followed by the reopening of outdoor beer gardens, outdoor dining, and services including hairdressers on April 12.
With people now allowed to have their pints indoors (and the industry is hoping people do return, with each Brit needing to drink 124 pints to save their pubs) what are the rules for drinking indoors?
Here’s all you need to know.
How many people can meet up at the pub?
Indoor diners will be limited to groups of six or two households.
Capacity will also be limited indoors to accommodate for social distancing requirements.
Table service will be mandatory in all restaurants and bars, with most venues using apps and scannable QR code menus to order food and drinks directly to your table.
Do you have to wear your face mask inside?
Customers must wear face coverings when not seated at their table, for example, using the toilet or entering and leaving an establishment.
Do I have to check in using Test and Trace?
People will need to check in at a venue again, as happened the last time bars and restaurants reopened.
What’s different this time is that everyone in a group entering a pub and restaurant will have to scan a QR code or leave their contact details.
Previously, only one member of a group would have to do so.
So, if you haven’t already, you may want to download the NHS Test and Trace app.
People who have been at a venue on the same day as others who have tested positive for the virus will now receive an alert to book a coronavirus test immediately, whether they are showing symptoms or not.
If someone tests positive for Covid-19, they will also be required to share their venue history via the app.
What are the rules for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
In Scotland, indoor venues will be able to open until 10.30pm indoors from today.
Customers will need to book two-hour slots in order to dine and drink indoors, and groups will be limited to up to six people from no more than three different households per group.
For outdoor dining and drinking – which may be permitted after venues close their indoor seating at 10:30 – the number allowed to meet will increase to eight, all of whom can come from different households.
In Wales, six people from six households can meet at hospitality venues to eat and drink indoors.
Social distancing is required between customers not from the same household.
In Northern Ireland, indoor hospitality remains closed, with an update expected to be given on May 24.
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