COVID CURFEW
Full list of places including pubs, restaurants and casinos that must close by 10pm curfew
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has announced tougher coronavirus restrictions today including a 10pm curfew on hospitality businesses.
The restrictions, which apply to England and come into force this Thursday, September 24, include both pubs and restaurants.
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As part of the new rules, restaurants and pubs can run table services only and must close by 10pm.
But takeaway services can still deliver after the 10pm deadline.
The PM said the 10pm curfew applies to both pubs and restaurants and "all hospitality venues".
These businesses then won't be able to open again until 5am the following day.
The rules are slightly different for cinemas and other performance venues -we explain below.
Today's fresh plan from the PM includes:
- A 10pm curfew for all pubs
- A significant cap on the number of guests allowed at weddings.
- But businesses and schools will be able to stay open as No10 attempts to stave off a second lockdown.
- A dramatic increase in enforcement measures to make sure people are obeying the Rule of Six.
- More fines could be slapped on those flouting the rules with on-the-spot closures for venues that fail to follow the rules.
List of places that will have to follow the 10pm curfew
BORIS Johnson has introduced new tougher coronavirus restrictions, including a 10pm curfew on the following hospitality places.
- Pubs
- Restaurants
- Social clubs
- Casinos
- Bowling alleys
- Amusement arcades
- Funfairs
- Theme parks
- Adventure parks
- Activity parks
- Bingo halls
The rules are slightly different for cinemas and other venues which show performances.
These venues can remain open for the duration of a performance which had already started before 10pm, for example, a film.
But they won't be allowed to serve food or drink to customers after 10pm.
These venues include:
- Cinemas
- Concert halls
- Theatres
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It comes just over two months after restaurants and pubs started to reopen from July 4 for dine-in customers.
Food establishments were allowed to serve takeaways before this date.
But coronavirus infections have been rising steeply across the UK in recent weeks, while the country's Covid alert level has been raised from three to four.
The PM warned Brits could face tougher restrictions for six months to help stop the flow of coronavirus.
However, Mr Johnson has not to put the UK into a full lockdown like back in March.
Ministers want to avoid shutting down shops and offices once again if they can help it.
It comes after Brits were earlier told to work from home if they can in a huge shift away from the "back to work" message.
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Speaking today in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson said: "From Thursday all pubs bars and restaurants must operate a table service only expect for takeaways - together with all hospitality venues they must close at 10pm.
"I'm sorry that this will affect many businesses just getting back on their feet but we must act."
The PM continued: "I am sorry this will affect businesses who have just got back up on their feet.
"But we must act to stop the virus being transmitted in restaurants and bars."
When Mr Johnson was asked about the rationale behind the 10pm curfew, he said: "What we’ve seen from the evidence, and alas, the spread of the virus spreads more later in the night when more alcohol has been consumed."
The new rules only apply to England, although Nicola Sturgeon has announced a similar 10pm curfew rule for Scotland.
Nothing has been announced for households in Wales and Scotland.
Speaking over the weekend, Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin warned pubs and restaurants face being wiped out if further restrictions are brought in – with up to a million jobs on the line throughout the industry.
Commenting on the announcement today, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said the 10pm curfew will have a "devastating impact" on pubs.
CAMRA chief executive Tom Staine said: "This is punishing the thousands of responsible publicans across England who are providing a Covid-secure environment for their communities, while already operating at greatly reduced levels in their efforts to keep their customers safe."
The PM also confirmed that face masks will be made compulsory for staff in hospitality and close contact places, as well as taxi drivers.
The exception is when a member of staff is seated at a table to eat or drink.
Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these rules.
This evening at 8pm he will address the nation with a live TV clip too.
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