Support your local: How to get behind Bristol pubs under the new government guidelines

Support your local: How to get behind Bristol pubs under the new government guidelines

Posted on: 24 Sep 2020

Pubs across the UK are facing uncertain futures as they adapt to new safety rules.

 

A new set of COVID-safety guidelines have been introduced for the UK hospitality industry, and with them comes a fresh sense of concern for businesses across Bristol and beyond. 

 

Having only recently emerged from lockdown and all the difficulties that came with it, pubs are now faced with up to six more months of tighter regulations as the government look to limit the spread of the virus.

 

A potentially-devastating new piece of legislation will force pubs and restaurants to close at 22:00, with fines and other penalties lined up for businesses that are found to be breaking the rules.

 

Given that later hours often represent the busiest periods for the hospitality sector, especially for pubs and bars, the new curfew could be fatal for independents across Bristol that were hit the hardest by lockdown.

 

So how can you support your local under the new guidelines?

 

Here we break down the new safety rules, outline exactly what's changed, and run down a few hints and tips on how best to get behind Bristol independents during another tough period for the hospitality industry.

Bristol Beer Factory.

What are the rules?

 

As of Thursday 24 September, a curfew will be enforced at pubs across the UK, meaning businesses will be forced to clear people out and close their doors no later than 22:00.

 

Doors must be closed and locked by 22:00, so operators will be calling last orders ahead of time in order to empty the premises and avoid fines.

 

Customers are required to wear face masks at all times unless they're sat at a table, and this includes entry to and exit from the premises, as well as going to and from the toilet. 

 

Venue operators are required to comply with track and trace systems, which will likely mean leaving your (or someone from your party's) details upon entry. The system may vary between venues, but registration is mandatory for customers.

 

Venues are required to operate table service at all times, meaning you won't be able to order from the bar or order food or drinks away from your table.

 

 

What can I do to help?

 

New guidelines aren't anyone's first choice - pub owners don't want to enforce them and nobody would voluntarily go home at ten o'clock on a weekend, or wear a mask to the bathroom, given the option.

 

That being said, rules are rules, and the penalties facing business owners for not complying could potentially be crippling given the current climate.

 

Instead of arguing and opting to fight a losing battle with pubs and the authorities, be understanding, be patient and be considerate of independent business owners facing more weeks and months of uncertainty.

 

Don't hang around when you're asked to leave

 

22:00 till late is often the busiest period for pubs and other hospitality venues, so obviously owners aren't voluntarily closing early or getting any enjoyment out of kicking you out at ten.

 

The ten o'clock curfew is non-negotiable for businesses across the UK, however, so they'll have no choice but to do whatever they can to clear people out in time to avoid penalties. 

 

Regardless of how pissed you are, or how much of a good time you're having, don't make life more difficult for pub staff by hanging around, dragging out your last drink or asking to stay a bit longer.

Closed.

Stick to your table, and be mindful of the space you're using

 

It's not uncommon to bump into someone you know at the pub, but mixing between groups under current guidelines is strictly prohibited, so don't be tempted to hover around other people to catch up, or move between tables. 

 

Pub staff will have a difficult enough time without you shouting over to a nearby table or trying to mix with other people, so if you arrive in a group, stay in your group. A 30-second conversation with another group could see a business fined up to £200.

 

We'd also advise that you keep the size of your group in mind when choosing a table, especially given that a lot of pubs are operating under reduced capacity.

 

If you've arrived as a group of two, be sure to sit at a small table and leave the larger tables for larger groups.

Stick to your table. Photo: The Lazy Dog

If you've booked a table, make sure you show up

 

This seems like an obvious one, but if you book a table at a pub, bar or restaurant in the coming weeks, make sure you actually turn up. Businesses across Bristol and the rest of the UK have been hit by a wave of no-shows since reopening, and these have a bigger impact than you might think.

 

It should go without saying, but at a time when independents are doing all they can to stay open during an unprecedented period of economic uncertainty, don't book a table and leave them hanging.

 

If, for any reason, you're no longer able to make a booking, simply contact the restaurant and let them know in advance.

 

 

Show love for your local

 

If you love your local, and you can afford to do so, why not donate the cost of an extra pint when you're buying a round, or grab a bag of crisps, a bag of nuts or a bowl of chips with your order?

 

Pubs of all sizes across the UK are faced with a very real threat of closure right now - it's no exaggeration to say that many won't survive without the right support from their communities.

 

It may seem like a small gesture, but small gestures add up, and so if you can afford to spend a bit more to see your local survive the coronavirus crisis, an extra few quid here and there could mean a lot more than you think.

Staff at Smoke & Mirrors.

Consider leaving a tip for bar staff

 

Remember cash? It's been a long time since we've had any actual money in our pockets, with notes and coins largely replaced by pin codes and contactless card payments in a collective bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.

 

Cash was slowly on the way out before the crisis hit, but for safety reasons an increasing number of pubs, restaurants and other businesses are opting to go cashless to reduce risk from the exchange of physical money.

 

But what does this mean for restaurant staff?

 

Independents across Bristol have reported a drastic drop in customer tips since reopening, a result of the public being less inclined to carry cash and being unaware or unwilling to ask about alternative methods to pay a service charge.

 

If you've enjoyed your drinks, or been given great service, be sure to ask your server about the best ways to offer a tip. Some won't accept cash, but there's no reason why you can't add an extra fiver to your bill when you're paying on card.

Consider leaving a tip. Photo: Thekla

Stand up for the hospitality industry!

 

Along with other sectors, the hospitality industry has taken a huge hit since the initial outbreak of coronavirus, with small, independent businesses bearing the brunt of the fallout.

 

National campaigns are set to be launched in the coming weeks and months to ensure hospitality businesses get as much support as possible, which is more crucial than ever at this point with the introduction of new restrictions.

 

Show love for your favourite pub on social media, spread the word if you've had a good experience, and do what you can to protect local business.

 

For more information and updates on how to support Bristol's hospitality sector in the near future, follow the Bristol Association of Restaurants, Bars and Independent Establishments (BARBIE) on Twitter.

 

Main Image: Thekla

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.