London and Essex to go to ‘Tier 2’

‘Tier 2’ Covid-19 restrictions are to be put in place in London and neighbouring county of Essex from this weekend it has been announced.

The new measures not only put a ban on households mixing together at home but also in pubs and restaurants indoors and will come into effect from midnight on Friday.

A government spokesperson told the drinks business that groups of up to six people from mixed households will still be able to meet in hospitality venues as long as it is in an outdoor space such as a beer garden or roof terrace.

The UK government recently announced three ‘tiers’ that can be applied locally in order to helpp prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Tier 1 or ‘Medium’ means households can mix indoors or outdoors but only in groups of six while the on-trade has to shut at 10pm.

Tier 2, ‘High’ means no mixing between households indoors, the rule of six applies outdoors and the on-trade must shut at 10pm, while Tier 3, ‘Very High’ is the strictest level and completely prevents households mixing in any area, pubs and bars must close if they do not serve hot meals and people may be prevented from travelling in or out of the affected area.

Liverpool was recently placed at Tier 3 and Greater Manchester and Lancashire are expected to be placed under the same restrictions shortly.

The news will only heap further pressure onto the UK’s on-trade which has already had to contend with being shut down for a substantial part of the year and, more recently, been subject to a 10pm curfew.

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