What will be different and all the new rules in place at pubs and restaurants from today
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The new measures, taking effect from Thursday, September 24, were announced in response to rapidly rising Covid-19 infection rates across the UK, where yesterday 6,178 new daily cases were announced.
The big changes affecting pubs and restaurants in England are:
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Hide AdFACE COVERINGS
Customers must now wear face coverings at all times except when seated at a table to eat or drink. This includes when getting up to use the toilet. Staff are also now required to wear face coverings, though existing exemptions continue to apply, including for people with certain health conditions.
RESTRICTED OPENING HOURS
Pubs and restaurants, including takeaways, must be closed between 10pm and 5am, though deliveries can continue after 10pm.
TABLE SERVICE ONLY
In licensed premises, all food and drink must be ordered from and served at a table.
FOOD AND DRINK MUST BE CONSUMED AT A TABLE
Any food or drink ordered to eat or drink in must now be consumed at a table.
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Hide AdPOSTERS WITH QR CODES
All businesses must now display posters with the official NHS QR code, enabling customers to easily ‘check-in’ at different premises using the official NHS Covid-19 test and trace app rolled out on September 24.
From Monday, September 28, meanwhile, more businesses will be subject to the Covid-19 Secure legal requirements, with fines of up to £10,000 for repeated breaches.
Also from that date, employers must not knowingly require or encourage someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work, and firms must remind people to wear face coverings where they are mandatory.