Can I meet a friend in a cafe in Tier 2?
TIER restrictions have now come into place in England, so can you meet a friend in a cafe in Tier 2?
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From December 2 the national lockdown in England has now been replaced by a three-tier lockdown system. After MPs voted to approve the tiered lockdown system on December 1, 99 percent of the country’s population will now be under either Tier 2 or Tier 3 restrictions, with only some areas in the south-west and the Isle of Wight placed in Tier 1 presently. The top two tiers will have implications on local businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector.
In Tier 3 all hospitality businesses, including restaurants, cafes and pubs, will be closed temporarily.
In Tier 1 and Tier 2 regions, many hospitality settings will be allowed to reopen from Wednesday, December 2.
In Tier 1 up to six people can meet indoors in restaurants, pubs or bars, but last orders will be called at 10pm.
However in Tier 2 pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as restaurants, and alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal.
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Can I meet a friend in a cafe in Tier 2?
Tier 2 measures are not as strict as Tier 3 measures, and in these areas restaurants and cafes can reopen.
So in Tier 1 and Tier 2, households and members of support bubbles can meet in a restaurant or cafe when they reopen on December 2.
However, under Tier 2 restrictions, people should not meet with people outside their households or support bubbles in any indoor settings.
The Government guidance states in Tier 2 “you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place”.
Therefore people from different households or support bubbles cannot meet indoors in cafes, restaurants or pubs.
But under Tier 2 restrictions, up to six people can meet in outdoor settings - including public spaces.
This means if a cafe or restaurant has an outdoor setting, people who live in Tier 2 areas can meet with someone outside of their household providing they sit outside.
Social distancing measures should be adhered to at all times.
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Can I meet a friend in a cafe in Tier 3?
All hospitality businesses will be closed in Tier 3 areas, and people living in Tier 3 areas should not visit restaurants and cafes in other areas at this time.
Residents of Tier 3 areas are also being advised by the Government to avoid non-essential travel out of their areas.
People can travel out of Tier 3 for essential reasons, such as for work, education, medical needs or caring responsibilities.
People can also leave Tier 3 areas to move home, to access voluntary, charitable or youth services or visit members of support bubbles.
The Government guidance on travel in Tier 3 states: “Where necessary, you can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.
“If you live in a Tier 3 area, you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules when you travel to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area.
“You must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK or visit their home (unless you share a support bubble)."