Eating out just got a bit tougher in Brum.
After the new rules coming into effect that people of Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull can no longer visit other households in their homes and gardens, tighter measures are being introduced to the hospitality industry.
Hospitality businesses in Birmingham and a huge part of the West Midlands are facing a new set of rules after the household ban being brought in. The ban, which has affected around 1.6 million people, has left many questioning as to why they can sit in a busy pub but not visit their parents’ house, for example.
As the region tries to fight the growing number of cases the councils of these areas have published a joint statement, stating: “Across Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull we are seeing cases of Covid-19 rise and therefore it is essential that hospitality venues take all possible steps to ensure customers are safe when visiting.”
The new rules for hospitality, in force from Monday 21 September, state:
- Indoor table service must be used alongside measures assigning a single staff member to specific tables.
- Outdoor table service must also be provided if space is there.
- Assigned spaces to ensure no mixing between groups of six or seated at tables.
- Contact between kitchen workers and front of house workers must be avoided.
- Toilets must be supported by making hand sanitiser available on entry.
- No mixing between social groups in queues and in outdoor smoking areas.
- Face visors are not enough – staff must also wear a face mask if they are less than two metres from customers or other staff.
Meanwhile, customers at hospitality venues have been told they must:
- Comply with all measures that you are asked to take by hospitality venues.
- Wash your hands or use hand gel before and after going out and regularly when you are out, particularly after contact with door-handles, light switches, taps etc.
- Maintain social distancing at all times, including when coming in and out of venues.
- Not visit venues if you have any signs of Covid-19 or concerns about any symptoms you have
- Give the correct details to the venue so you can be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
- Wear a mask in any crowded or narrow areas and if you are requested to do so.
- Use your judgement about where you go and how much you go out.