Government passes New Health Protection Regulations to deal with Covid-19 closures

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect TODAY and can be found here.

The Regulations provide enforcement powers to ensure that all premises including restaurants; cafés, including workplace canteens; bars; public houses; bars, restaurants and dining rooms within hotels or members clubs; cinemas; nightclubs; theatres; bingo halls; concert halls; museums and galleries; casinos; betting shops; spas and massage parlours close or remain closed until otherwise directed by the Secretary of State.

It does not include those premises which are open to sell food or drink for consumption off the premises nor does it apply to food or drink sold by a hotel or other accommodation provider as part of room service.

The need to remain closed will be reviewed every 28 days and the Regulations will expire in 6 months.

If premises fail to comply then a person carrying on the business (which can include the owner, proprietor, manager, and in relation to a corporate body a director, secretary or other similar officer) face prosecution and a fine.