Drink less Christmas spirit or you could be spreading more than Christmas cheer - that’s the sobering message for punters hoping to hit the pubs.
With lockdown due to end on Wednesday 2 December and Plymouth confirmed as in Tier 2, we are urging revellers to 'think before you drink - don’t put our businesses on the brink'.
For those fancying a drink, well, there's some changes you need to know about. Pubs and bars can open but only if they are operating as restaurants. Alcohol can only be served with substantial meals and it’s table service only. The good news is that pubs can close at 11pm rather than 10pm but must stop orders at 10pm.
Deputy leader Pete Smith said: “No one wants to be the Christmas Grinch, but don’t let a few days of letting off steam ruin all the great work that has been going on to really bring the infection rate down. We are not saying don’t go out, we are saying if you do, think before you drink don’t put our businesses on the brink.”
We’ve put together some dos and don’ts for those venturing out.
Do
- book ahead - the cafes and restaurants that are open will be busy
- only book a table with your household or support bubble indoors
- wear a face covering except when you are eating
- follow the guidance of hands, face and space and we’re adding pace - don’t neck your drinks, getting squiffy makes it hard to keep your distance
- keep to the rule of six people outside, including in a garden or a public space
- behave and be kind - do what bar and waiter staff ask you - this is really tricky for everyone
- be honest - don’t fib about your bubble
Don’t
- snog under the mistletoe with strangers, or friends for that matter
- group hug
- mix or mingle with anyone you don’t live with or who is not in your support bubble indoors, either at home or in a public place
- linger - what if there is no room at the inn? Sadly this is not Bethlehem, there is no stable, but there may be a few asses around. If there is no room, go home.
All businesses are responsible for making sure they comply with the new laws, but our public protection team has also issued guidance to help support them. Over the next few weeks, our PARC officers will be out on the streets in and around the busy parts of the city centre, Barbican, North Hill and Mutley Plain. Taxi marshals will be on hand at closing time to help people get into taxis and to keep the queues at the rank socially distant.
If you have any concerns, issues or questions related to working safely guidance please use our online query form at Covid-19 Working Safely Query or email covid19@plymouth.gov.uk.
Questions, questions
Can six people from different households drink in a beer garden?
The rule of six applies outside. If a pub is serving a substantial meal, they can serve alcohol. So the answer is yes, but only if you are eating a substantial meal with your drinks.
What exactly is a substantial table meal?
Good question, well asked. A sausage roll, pork scratchings or a packet of crisps with a pint is not substantial. A substantial meal is one that might be expected to be served as the main midday or main evening meal or a main course. If it’s on a plate or a bowl and eaten with cutlery, it’s generally acceptable. So a sausage roll served with vegetables, salad, potatoes would cut the mustard. Platters are a bit more nibbly and are a no-no.
We can’t have a Christmas Party - can we book a few tables so that we can sit near each other?
Sadly no. Restaurants and cafés can’t take multiple bookings, and tables can’t be shoved closer together.Each table must be booked by separate people and the table should only have people from the same household or support bubble.
Can groups mingle if they see each other at the pub?
No. People can only mingle with their household/support bubble. They cannot mingle with anyone outside the group they are with, even if they see other people they know.
What happens if a group say they are from the same household … but are not?
We are asking the trade to remind customers that it is an offence to knowingly meet up with people from other households and if checked, they could be subject to a fine.
How on earth is this going to be enforced?
Our enforcement policy is always to educate first. No one has been fined unless it was clear that they were aware of and understood the regulations but were choosing not to follow them. We have provided responses to hundreds of business queries and are happy to continue to, as we know there is a lot for people to get their heads around.
We have a range of enforcement powers including the new ability to close premises that fail to put in the necessary control measures.