BRITS who attend a party in the next few months could be fined £800 while those who book a foreign holiday will have to pay £5,000.
That’s according to the new Covid regulations which were approved by MPs today and will come into force in England and Wales on Monday.
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The legalisation supports Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown which will end on June 30.
Until then, the country will see restrictions gradually eased in four separate ‘Steps’ as the vaccine rollout continues to inoculate more adults.
However, there are still rules in this period including a ban on holidays abroad.
Brits who leave the UK or are at an ’embarkation point’ such as an airport with the intention of travelling without a reasonable excuse could be penalised £5,000.
Those reasonable excuses include travelling for work, studying, elite sports, legal obligations, volunteering, medical reasons and attending the wedding of a close family member.
Another fine put into law is £800 for attending a large gathering such as a party.
And repeat offenders can expect subsequent fines up to £6,400.
There’s also penalties for small business who don’t follow the rules – such as serving people indoors during Step 1.
Firms can expect fines of £1,000 for breaking rules and up to £10,000 for repeat offences.
Other laws such as failing to comply with regulations or obstructing the police could land you with a £200 fine with repeat rule breakers being penalised up to £6,400.
What is Step 1?
From March 29, all of England will be in be under Step 1 restrictions.
This means the Rule of Six is back with outdoors gatherings, including in gardens, being permitted.
The rule means six people from two separate households will be allowed to meet up outside.
This also relates to sporting activities outside meaning playing football in a park will only be permitted within the Rule of Six.
However, people can take part in an ‘outdoor sports gathering’ organised by a business – meaning five-a-side football matches on private pitches involving 10 people are permitted while larger games in public parks are not.
The Stay at Home rule will also end on March 29 meaning Brits will no longer have to stay ‘local’ when leaving their homes.
That means people can visit family members a couple of hours drive away or visit a park in another part of the country and not be fined.
The rule sparked controversy in January when two women were fined £200 for driving five miles for a walk in the park in Derbyshire.