IN yet another blow to the hospitality industry, the Government has announced that all customers at pubs, restaurants and cafes must provide contact details (either written or via the NHS Test and Trace app) on entry. Previously, only one member of each group had to provide details. Doing so was voluntary (staff were asked only to ‘encourage’ customers to provide their details). But the new guidelines state that those who will not provide their details must be refused entry. BBC News has the story.
‘New rules to help pubs, cafes and restaurants reopen outdoors safely in England on April 12 have sparked anger from industry groups.
‘All customers will have to sign in on entry, not just one member of the group like before. It is also unclear whether payment at the bar will be permitted. …
‘Under the new guidance, every customer aged 16 and over will have to check in to NHS Test and Trace before entering a venue, or give their contact details to staff.
‘Pubs and restaurants must take “reasonable steps” to stop people who won’t comply from coming in, or they could face fines.’
Venues which do not force their customers to provide details will themselves face financial penalties. The government rules specify the following:
After being shut for almost a year, how are pubs and restaurants expected to survive if potential customers decide that – because of the new overbearing rules – it is easier and more enjoyable to drink with friends in their gardens?
This article first appeared in Lockdown Sceptics on April 1, 2021, and is republished by kind permission.
