Following the PM’s announcement today, the BVEP have collated the key points in relation to the events sector. The promised start date for events has been suspended, event capacities are being reduced and people are being asked to work from home if they can.
The PM has announced the following rules from Thursday in England:
- The planned reopening of conferences, exhibitions and events on 1st Oct has been suspended
- Pubs, restaurants and bars will have to close at 10pm (except for takeaways)
- Only “table-only” service will be allowed at pubs, restaurants and bars
- Staff in retail and indoor hospitality will have to wear masks
- The Covid-secure workplace guidance will become a legal obligation.
- The number of people able to attend a wedding is being reduced to 15 from the previous 30
- The £10,000 fines imposed on those who don’t quarantine will now be applied to businesses and the penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking rule of six will double to £200.
- Exemptions to the “rule of six” will be reduced.
- People have been asked to work from home if they can.
He also announced that these new restrictions will most likely be in place for six months.
You can find a copy of the Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-commons-statement-on-coronavirus-22-september-2020
A few clarifications from this:
- The restriction on people attending Weddings is from Monday
- Take-aways will subject to the 10:00pm curfew – it is deliveries that are exempt
- Staff and customers in indoor hospitality will have to wear mask except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
EVCOM is an active member of the BVEP, campaigning for the recognition and rights of the events industry in the UK.