When the new tiered restrictions come into force this week, many pubs and bars around the country will be wondering if they can keep their doors open.
While Tier 3 venues have effectively been forced to close, pubs in Tier 2 (which covers around 50 per cent of England) have been told they can only serve alcohol to customers alongside a ‘substantial meal’.
But what counts as substantial? Environment minister George Eustice attempted to clarify this on LBC radio this morning, when he suggested that a scotch egg would probably count, as long as it was brought over on a plate.
But Mr Steerpike has noticed that ministers seemed to be a little confused when it comes to the guidance. With that in mind, here is Mr S’s guide to what the rules seem to be so far:
Scotch eggs
According to the environment minister, scotch eggs count as a substantial meal. Eustice told LBC this morning that: ‘I think a Scotch egg would probably count as a substantial meal if there were table service.’ But,
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