How social gathering rules will affect hospitality venues

The Government has announced that gatherings of more than six people, both indoors and outdoors, will be unlawful from next Monday (14 September 2020).

Previous guidance allowed gatherings of up to two households to take place indoors or outdoors as long as they did not exceed a total of 30 people. Gatherings of up to six people from any number of households were permitted if held outdoors.

This legal limit of 30 people will be reduced to just six people, regardless of the number of households involved.

The practical implications for hospitality venues could be, for example, where two households of four people try to book a table for a night out together. Previously, it would have been allowed, but from Monday it will not only be against the guidance, but it would also be against the law as there are more than six people.

However, exemptions are proposed for weddings and funerals, which will remain at a maximum of 30 people.

The most up-to-date guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services can be found here.

The most up-to-date guidance for hotels and other guest accommodation can be found here.

In addition to the change in the maximum number of people allowed to meet, the Government is also making it compulsory for hospitality venues to implement track and trace.

Although most venues have been adopting this voluntarily already, from next Monday it will be a legal requirement to obtain the name and contact details of at least one member from each visiting party.