When pubs reopen the ‘substantial meal’ with drinks rule is set to be scrapped

When pubs finally reopen the rule on boozers having to serve a ‘substantial meal’ with drinks will be scrapped, according to reports today.

Boris Johnson reportedly wants to get rid of the rule, which caused a lot of confusion over what actually constituted a substantial meal when it was introduced.

The prime minister is set to lay out his roadmap out of lockdown in a speech on February 22nd, with the whole country eager to hear how and when restrictions will be lifted.

The way out of lockdown will begin with the reopening of schools, which has been given the tentative date of March 8th, followed by limits on socialising and outdoor sports which could be eased just a few weeks after that, according to The Times.

This will be followed by shops, pubs and restaurants reopening, although a date for this most likely won’t be confirmed until February 22nd.

It’s believed that activities which can take place outdoors will be prioritised in the easing process, because the virus spreads less easily in the open, so outdoor markets are set to return before indoor shops, as is al fresco drinking and dining.

Seth Weisfeld/Unsplash

According to reports the rules will be applied nationally rather than a return to regional tiers when lockdown is lifted, but government sources warned the plans are ‘tentative’ and only the earliest school reopening date has been agreed so far. 

On that front, foreign office minister James Cleverly said today that ‘it seems things are heading in the right direction’ for kids to return to school next month.

He said: “If that continues, and it gets to the place where it’s safe to do so we’ll then give schools enough notice so they can organise themselves to reopen.”

Adding: “It is totally understandable that people crave this move back to normality, but ultimately the decisions about how we ease restrictions have to be guided by the science.

“They will take into consideration the needs of the economy, people’s mental health, the needs of our children, all these things are incredibly important.”