Lancaster district pubs face uncertainty over new 'household only' socialising advice

Government advice states that people in Lancaster should not meet up with others from outside their household in public places, including pubs, cafes and restaurants.
New Covid-19 restrictions are due to come into force from tomorrow.New Covid-19 restrictions are due to come into force from tomorrow.
New Covid-19 restrictions are due to come into force from tomorrow.

Nationwide restrictions similar to those in Lancashire could be announced tomorrow by the Prime Minister, after the government's chief scientific adviser warned that the UK could see 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action.

New rules and regulations that are due to come into force from tomorrow, September 22, state that anyone living in Lancashire (excluding Blackpool) must not meet or host people they do not live with in private homes or gardens, unless they are in a support bubble.

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The government also "advises" against socialising with people you do not live with in any public venue.

Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council has also issued similar advice.

Examples of public venues given include pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions.

Parks and beaches are not included in the examples given, but it is assumed the same rules apply.

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The guidance for businesses also states: "If you operate a business or organise events within the affected areas you should take steps to ensure people do not socialise with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 secure guidance."

Tim Tomlinson, chair of Lancaster Pubwatch, said: "It's very poor guidance and I would ask the government to get off the fence and make a decision.

"The grey areas in this will make it difficult for pubs and business owners to make a decision - what they've been advised to do, and the long term future of their business.

"Pubs will see a significant downturn in trade under the new advice.

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"I would do my best to follow it, it's a heightening of what we've already been doing, but many businesses will now question whether it's worth opening at all."

The government has faced criticism for banning any socialising in homes and gardens, but allowing people to socialise in venues such as pubs.

Hannah Horner, from The Borough in Dalton Square, said: "We're expecting an announcement that pubs will have to close.

"I feel very apprehensive, and I don't think we're going to be given any notice.

"All we can do is watch this space."

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Other rules due to come into effect tomorrow in Lancashire include that hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm and 5am.

The government has suggested it could introduce a national 'circuit breaker' lockdown as soon as Tuesday in an attempt to curb infection rates.