Covid 19 - What you need to know following todays relaxations and looking ahead to both 12th April and 17th May

Updated guidance has been published by the Government this morning in line with the latest relaxation of lockdown which takes effect today (Rule of six / two households mixing outdoors).

The updated guidance which can be found here also covers the anticipated relaxations on 12^th April and 17^th May.

We have received a number of enquiries since the ‘Roadmap’ was announced regarding the relaxations on 12^th April and the newly published helpfully guidance addresses both of these issues in one paragraph:

“Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including in member’s clubs) can reopen, including for takeaway alcohol. Some venues may wish to erect outdoor shelters. To be considered ‘outdoors’, shelters, marquees and other structures can have a roof but need to have at least 50% of the area of their walls open at all times whilst in use. These venues may allow customers to use toilets located inside.”

We are relieved  as will be many Operators, that the Government have been consistent on this issue and adopted standards (50% open) with which the industry will already be familiar through smoke free premises regulations.