How the new 10pm curfew will affect hospitality: what you can and can't do

Ailis Brennan24 September 2020

Post-lockdown optimism in the food and drink world reached unexpected heights during August, as the Eat Out to Help Out scheme saw restaurants welcome diners in their droves across the country.

But fast forward just a few weeks, and restaurateurs and pub owners have been brought back down to earth with a pretty nasty bump.

In a speech to the House of Commons today, the Prime Minister announced that hospitality businesses – including restaurants, pubs and bars – would be subject to a curfew as part of new measures to tackle the coronavirus threat in England.

With those fears confirmed, those working in the industry are scrambling to adapt their businesses to the enhanced restrictions – but what do the new rules mean for customers?

From takeaways to table service, here’s what you can and can’t do in light of the coronavirus curfew, and the new restrictions that come with it.

What time will pubs and restaurants need to close?

Pubs, restaurants and cafes, along with “all hospitality businesses” in England will need to close by 10pm at the latest, every day of the week.

“To help the police to enforce this rule, I am afraid that means alas closing, and not just calling for last orders,” said the prime minister. “Simplicity is paramount.”

When does the curfew come into force?

The curfew will start this week, from September 24 onwards. This means all restaurants and pubs will need to close their doors at 10pm on Thursday, and every day after that until further notice.

MPs will be invited to vote to approve the measures but not to amend them.

How long will the curfew last?

While there is no fixed term on these rules currently, the prime minister has estimated they will be in place until spring next year. “Unless we palpably make progress,” he said, “we should assume that the restrictions I have announced will remain in place for perhaps six months.”

What other pub and restaurant rules are being introduced with the curfew?

Masks must be worn in restaurants and bars except when seated at tables – this rule applies to both staff and customers. Diners will need to wear a face covering when being shown to their tables, and when visiting the bathrooms.

Table service will also become compulsory, meaning that customers in pubs will not be allowed to queue at the bar.

Can you order a takeaway after 10pm?

Yes and no. Boris Johnson said that takeaway restaurants would also need to close at 10pm (but they would be exempt from the new table service rule). The government has, however, said that delivery and drive thru services can continue after 10pm.

Can I keep drinking at home after the pub?

Yes. Michael Gove confirmed to the BBC earlier today that a group of up to six people could leave the pub at 10pm, and carry on socialising (and drinking) at a house. The only exception would be if they were in a local lockdown area where the rules forbade that. The new restrictions also abolish some of the exemptions to the “rule of six” guidelines introduced last week.

What happens if venues or customers break the rules?

“In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, our Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations,” said Johnson.

“Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these rules.”

The fine for not wearing a mask in public will also be doubled to £200 for a first time offence.

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