We know changes to laws and limits on numbers able to gather indoors and outdoors can cause a lot of uncertainty for business and we appreciate that some of the the information we pass on isn’t always what some businesses want to hear. We appreciate how frustrating this can be.

Coming soon on our social media channels we’ll have a new campaign to support businesses to move forward.

On the back of the announcement from the Prime Minister last night, we wanted to take a closer look at the new “rule of six” and clarify what it means for businesses across the borough.

How does it work?

From Monday 14 September, there will be a new legal gatherings limit. When meeting with people you don’t live with you can socialise in groups of up to 6, indoors and outdoors.

All venues should continue to accommodate groups larger than 6 who live together or are in the same support bubble to gather in and use their services and venues.

The rule of six does not apply to schools, workplaces, training, or registered childcare (including wraparound care), organised indoor and outdoor sports, physical activity and exercise classes, youth groups or activities, Covid-secure weddings and funerals.

These venues can host larger numbers in total as long as it is in a Covid-Secure way and does not compromise social distancing within the venue. Groups of up to six must not mix or form larger groups within venues.

You should check with customers on arrival who they are with and how many people are attending in their group. Put up signs to remind customers to only interact with their group.

Customers should avoid social interaction with anyone outside the group they are with, even if they see other people they know

Something else to be aware of

From 18 September, it is the law for hospitality venues, such as pubs and restaurants, to record people’s details for NHS Test and Trace, for at least 1 member of a group – fines will be issued if they don’t.

Core COVID-19 Secure requirements will be mandated for hospitality businesses, and breaches enforced.

Once you have read the FAQs, if you have any questions about the new law and what it means for your business please email us at [email protected] and we’ll aim to help you get the answers you need, and if we don’t know we’ll work with our partners to find out.