Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that English restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses will face fines and quicker closures if they fail to ensure their venues are COVID secure.
Speaking at a press conference, Johnson said the government was stepping up its enforcement of social distancing rules in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“We will support local authorities to make further and faster use of powers to lose ventures that are breaking the rules and pose a risk to public health,” said Johnson.
The Prime Minister also confirmed the implementation of what he called the ‘rule of six’ which will back social gatherings of more than sic people in England both indoors and outdoors. Hospitality businesses can still hold more than 6 people but in groups no larger than that.
These new rules will be enforced with fines that will increase for repeat offenders.
The English government also confirmed that it will be compulsory for businesses to take customer details for the NHS Test and Trace scheme. While the gathering of contact details has been strongly urged, it will now be a legal requirement for businesses to request, record and retain customer details for 21 days.
