New Regulations permit re-opening in England from 4th July

“The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 allowing pubs, bars and many other licensed premises to re-open on the 4th of July have now been laid before Parliament. They apply to England only.

Bars (including in hotels), public houses and social clubs may re-open from 0600 hours on the 4th of July – subject to their licensed hours.

Restaurants, cafés, aquariums, zoos, indoor attractions, cinemas, bingo halls, arcades and other venues may open from 0001 hours on the 4th of July – subject again to any licensed hours.

Licensed businesses that remain subject to closure include Night Clubs, for which there is still no definition in the regulations.

Also subject to closure are “Dance halls, discotheques and any other venue which… opens at night… has a dance floor or other space for dancing by members of the public, and provides music, whether live or recorded, for dancing”.

However, dance halls are not classed as such if they cease to provide music and dancing.

Also subject to closure are Sexual Entertainment Venues and hostess bars, as defined under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

Other premises that must remain closed are bowling alleys, conference centres and exhibition halls insofar as they are used to host conferences etc. for the public, indoor skating rinks and casinos.

Enforcement officers have the power to issue prohibition notices for contravention of the closure requirements. Officers can also issue fixed penalty notices where it is believed an offence has been committed under the new regulations.

The regulations, together with the full list of businesses that must remain closed, can be found here“