A summary of the main provisions that are likely to be most relevant to your business are set out below following the amendment of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 and their impact on licensed premises, you're advised to read ‘the regulations’ which can be found online.

There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the data to reflect changes in restrictions followed by seven days’ notice of the restrictions to be eased.

A summary of the main restrictions that are likely to be most relevant to your business are set out below:

Step 1, from Monday 29 March 2021

• 'Stay at home' order will end, although many lockdown restrictions will remain
• Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households (for linked households/support bubbles you're advised to read the government guidance) will be allowed. This includes in private gardens
• Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants and pubs must close, with the exception of providing food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway via click-and-collect and drive-through
• All food and drink (including alcohol) can continue to be provided by delivery
• No seating is to be provided externally in adjacent to the premises or areas which customers habitually use for consumption of food or drink
• Food or drink provided by a hotels or other accommodation as part of room service is not to be treated as being provided for consumption on its premises

Step 2, at least five weeks after step 1, no earlier than 12 April 2021

• Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants and pubs can serve people outdoors only. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial table meal with alcohol, and no curfew- although customers must order, eat and drink while seated. So that premises can plan for this, we have provided some guidance on what the definition of ‘outdoors’ is likely to be when step 2 is implemented
• Customers can use toilets, including baby changing units or breast feeding rooms. The premises must risk assess and manage these facilities accordingly
• Most outdoor attractions and settings, including drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted

Step 3, at least five weeks after Step 2, no earlier than 17 May 2021

• Indoor gatherings of either six people or two households (for linked households/support bubbles you're advised to read the the guidance) will be allowed.
• Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants and pubs can serve people on their premises, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated
• Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen
• Indoor hospitality, including cinemas will reopen
• Larger performances and sporting events in indoor and outdoor venues will also be allowed with capacity limits

Further government guidance, which you are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with, can be found on the GOV.uk website.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Team for further advice.