AS the UK braces for a new 3 tier lockdown, many are interested to see whether pubs will reopen.
Here’s everything we know about what to expect with the new revised tier three system set to be reintroduced in just over a week’s time.
Can pubs open in the new 3 tier lockdown?
Although nothing has been confirmed for certain, reports indicate pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen their doors when the four-week national lockdown ends on December 2.
Importantly, pubs must also operate as a restaurant – which means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal.
They may only serve alcohol as part of such a meal.
The reopening may be area-dependant with some regions afforded more leniency than others according to local coronavirus case numbers and the severity of the spread.
What will the new rules be?
The new tier system will most likely bear strong similarities with the original three tier system announced in October, which splits different areas of England into medium, high and very high alert levels.
Areas in the first tier – medium alert – were subject to the same national measures which were in force at the time across the country including a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.
Under the second tier – high alert – household mixing was banned indoors while the rule of six continued to apply outdoors.
Tier 3 – very high alert – banned social mixing both indoors and in private gardens with people from different households, while pubs and bars were told to close unless they could operate as a restaurant.
A significant new development will see a change in the 10pm pub curfew to extend opening hours until 11pm.
Boris Johnson will reportedly announce that last orders will be at 10pm under his proposed winter Covid plan – with the hope this will stop revellers congregating in crowds on the streets.
It will also give diners an extra hour to finish their meals and provide a boost for the hospitality sector, which has been ravaged by the pandemic.
However, bookies and pubs that do not serve food could stay shut in Tier 3 areas with the highest infection rates.
When will they come into force?
The return to the three-tier structure is set to come into force from December 2.
The system is said to be in place until the spring while scientists continue work on approving vaccines.
