PUBS may not be able to show the footie or play music when they return from July 4 – under new Government guidance.
Any entertainment which forces people to raise their voice and shout to be heard should not be allowed when they open their doors once again, fresh advice says.
Buried in the Government’s guidance on reopening pubs and restaurants it says that certain steps should be considered to stop the spread of the virus and prevent pubs from becoming hotspots.
This may include “preventing entertainment, such as broadcasts, that is likely to encourage audience behaviours increasing transmission risk”, it said.
“For example, loud background music, communal dancing, group singing or chanting.”
The guidance goes on to say: “All venues should ensure that steps are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other.
“This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from playing music or
broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at
a volume that makes normal conversation difficult.
“This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission,
particularly from aerosol transmission.”
The guidance means that music is likely to stay off in venues going forward, and showing football, tennis and other matches is likely to be banned.
The guidance also contains reams of information for businesses so they can get ready to open their doors from July 4 – as Boris Johnson announced yesterday.
Some of the rules included:
- Indoor gatherings should only be occurring in groups of up to two households
- People will have to leave their contact details with pubs or restaurants for 21 days – so they can be tracked if there is an outbreak
- A limit on numbers inside a venue at any one time
- Encouraging customers to use contactless payments rather than cash
- Customers should stay seated at the table and wait to be served rather than going up to the bar
- Making sure tables are as spaced out as possible to keep a distance, and keeping venues ventilated
Yesterday the PM announced that pubs, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to open from July 4.
But gyms, nail salons and spas must remain closed for now as they still pose a risk to spread the virus.
Ministers have said they aim to get gyms open by the middle of next month.
