COVID-19 – PM’s statement on new restrictions, including mandatory rules for businesses
22 September – The Prime Minister has announced new measures in England to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. Businesses should ensure that they are fully conversant with the new regulations to ensure that they continue to trade legally.
From Thursday 24 September:
- All hospitality venues must close at 10pm – they must close fully and not accept last orders at 10pm. Takeaway deliveries only can continue past 10pm.
- Pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only, except for takeaways
- Face covering requirements are to be extended to include retail workers, all users of private taxis, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality settings except when sat down to eat or drink.
From Monday 28 September:
- A maximum of 15 people will be able to attend a wedding / civil ceremony (including the reception). 30 people will still be allowed to attend funerals.
The rule of 6 is to be extended to all adult indoor team sports.
COVID-Secure guidelines for workplaces are to become legal obligations. Businesses could be fined up to £10,000 and closed down if they breach the rules.
- The government has already announced fines for those that fail to self-isolate. Such fines will now be applied to businesses breaking Covid rules.
- The penalty for failing to wear a face covering or breaking the rule of six is to be increased to £200 for a first offence.
- The police and local authorities are to be provided with the funding needed to deploy more police on the streets and access military support where required to free up the police.
- Office workers who can work from home should now do so again.
- The government will not be proceeding with the reopening of business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events on 1st October.
