Tier 3 Lockdown: What is a substantial meal?
This is what it has come to. Cities across the north of England such as Liverpool, Manchester and Lancaster have recently entered tier 3 lockdown restrictions. But what does this mean? Gyms and sports facilities closed, as well as betting shops and casinos. A new normal.
Mental health will be continuing on a downwards spiral, with mixing of households both indoors and outdoors both now illegal in areas under tier 3 rules. What next?
Most bizarre must be the new regulations for pubs and bars. A 10pm curfew has already proven problematic for unwanted congregations. Now pubs in tier 3 areas will have to provide substantial meals to customers in a restaurant style.
There has been no government statement on substantial meals. So what counts? Chips? Crisps? A simple but effective cheese sandwich? Many only want this meal to enjoy a freshly pulled pint, as the misery of tier 3 rules mean this is the only instance alcohol can be served.
This has left the hospitality industry unsettled, with a huge lack of government correspondence frustrating pub owners across the country. A common theme. Hefty fines are in place for pubs / bars breaching the rules, despite the poor communication from Johnson’s government.
Seems smart from the government, as these rules generate ways to drive up profit amid the economic recession looming. Increased sales of food in pubs, and a way to enforce more fines.
Ultimately, a mess.
