Covid 19 - Outdoor Areas in Tier 2 – Local Authority issues guidance

Some Local authorities in Tier 2 areas have issued guidance in respect of structures in outdoor areas and Covid-19 restrictions.

Cheshire West & Chester Council have set out a short guide to ensure premises comply with the current regulations, if they are trying to utilise outdoor space, in order to accommodate groups from mixed households.

Currently in Tier 2 areas groups of up to six people from different households are allowed to meet in outdoor areas.

The authority have noted that many premises, are using their outdoor areas more, to allow people to meet safely under the current restrictions.

But in order to ensure they comply they have issued the following advice:

• If you have a shelter or any kind of construction which customers sit within you must ensure that it is NOT substantially enclosed.

• A structure would be considered as indoors if it is substantially enclosed.

• A structure is considered substantially enclosed if it has a roof and any gaps in the walls/sides are less than 50% of the total wall/side area.

• An area has to be over 50% open to be considered an outdoor space, anything less than this and it is considered enclosed and therefore you would be restricted to tables of single households/ bubbles under the current restrictions.

Should your premises require Legal Advice to help protect your Licence or you are subject of enforcement action, call a member of our team on 0114 266 8664.