What will outdoor hospitality look like?

After months of COVID-19 related closures, the hospitality industry has finally reopened its proverbial doors to eager customers. Alfresco dining and drinking is now allowed again in England. With this renewed sense of positivity, the hospitality sector is expecting a boom.

So, what should you expect when you return to your local restaurants, bars, and pubs?

Can I only eat and drink outdoors?

Hospitality venues in England are now open for outdoor dining, which includes seated pavement areas, beer gardens and even marquees with roofs, as long as at least 50 per cent of their walls are open. Two households or groups of up to six will be able to sit down and enjoy an alfresco meal together.

Will there be table service?

Table service will be mandatory at any venues which serve alcohol, regardless of whether alcohol is actually ordered. However, for venues where alcohol cannot be purchased, diners will have the option of ordering and picking up their meals from the counter. In all venues, diners and drinkers must remain seated during their meals. Customers will choose, order and pay for their meals at their tables with the help of their servers.

Will there be any indoor exemptions?

While hospitality customers will only be allowed to enjoy their meals in the open air, they will be able to venture inside the restaurant or pub if they need to use the restrooms, want to breastfeed their infant, or need to use the baby changing facilities. Masks will be mandatory for clients inside but it will not be up to the hospitality staff to enforce this.

What about registration with the NHS Test and Trace System?

It has become law in the UK for businesses to record anyone that visits their premises, so long as the customers are over the age of 16. Hospitality businesses will also have the right to refuse service to anyone who will not check-in with the Test and Trace system or will not provide their contact details to the establishment.

Will I need a 'Vaccine Passport' to visit my local pub or restaurant?

Boris Johnson has made it clear that vaccine passports will not be required for this phase of hospitality reopening. However, he has hinted that it may be necessary to have one further down the line.

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