NEW PUB RESTRICTIONS

Further to yesterday’s post about pubs still being able to serve alcohol on a strict takeaway basis, we would like to make people aware of a further change. As you know, the Prime Minister last night announced restrictions on movement across the UK in order to stem the spread of coronavirus among the population. Those tightened restrictions now mean that pubs can no longer serve alcohol even on a takeaway basis. Pubs can only remain serving food on a takeaway basis and only if they have a restaurant facility as food has been classified by the Government as the essential item – not alcohol. Restaurants and cafes can continue to serve takeaway food only.

We know that the vast majority of pub managers and licensees across Derbyshire are already abiding by the Government sanctions in the wake of COVID-19 and we would like to thank them. We are also aware that some pubs have continued to open and our licensing teams, together with local authorities, are already gathering information about them. Those who flout the regulations may face unlimited fines and the potential revocation of their license further down the line. This post is a reminder to people that unless they are included in a very specific list of businesses that can still operate, they must close.

That list can be found here, along with any exemptions: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close?utm_source=77e9a975-dcba-4146-b1f9-d36e8d01465f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

We also want to reassure the public that we are taking their reports seriously.

By taking this action and abiding by the social restrictions instigated by the Government, we can all try and stop the further spread of the coronavirus. Please stay home, and help us save countless lives together.