The 10pm curfew for pubs has taken some getting used to for all of us across England.
But it’s an essential restriction in order to stop the spread of COVID and save lives.
Many people have been asking if they are allowed to have friends back to their homes after last orders.
The good news is the answer is yes – but there are very strict rules depending on where you live and which tier your address falls under.
To make things crystal clear, we asked the UK Government ‘Am I allowed to have five friends back to my flat for a drink after the pubs close at 10pm?’ and this was the answer:
“Those within Local Covid Alert Level Medium may continue to meet up to five other people so long as you ensure social distancing and other mitigations such as increased ventilation and good hygiene practices e.g. regular hand washing.
“People in High and Very High risk areas cannot meet people from outside their own household inside but could sit in the garden.”
Most businesses and venues are now allowed to open, following COVID-19 Secure guidelines, as part of the government’s plan to return life to as near normal as we can, with only a small number required to remain closed.
Local Covid alert levels explained
But do remember, whether indoors or outdoors, people from different households must NOT meet in groups of larger than six at venues. This limit does not apply to meetings of a single household group or support bubble which is more than six people.
You also can’t get around the restrictions by booking two tables of six next to each other.
The UK Government added: “Talking across two tables of six would involve forming a larger gathering or mingling, which would be against the law.”
Local Covid alert levels explained
Tier 1 (Medium)
- Don’t socialise in groups larger than six, indoors or outdoors
- Businesses open if Covid-secure
- Table service mandatory in some businesses, and they must close between 10pm and 5am
- Delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through can operate after 10pm
- Schools and universities remain open
- Places of worship remain open, subject to Rule of Six
- Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers Exercise classes and organised sport allowed outdoors, or indoors if following Rule of Six
Tier 2 (High)
Follow Tier 1 rules, plus:
- Do not socialise with indoors with anyone outside your household or support bubble
- Don’t meet up in a group of more than six outside, including in gardens, beaches or parks
- Reduce the number of journeys you make
Tier 3 (Very high)
Follow Tier 2 rules, plus:
- Do not socialise with anyone outside your household or support bubble, indoors or in your garden
- Pubs and bars must close unless they operate as if they were a restaurant, serving a main lunchtime or evening meal
- Places of worship remain open, but household mixing is not permitted
- No wedding receptions
- Avoid travelling outside the very high alert level area you are in or entering a very high alert level area, other than for things like work, education or youth services, to meet caring responsibilities or if you are travelling through as part of a longer journey
- Avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK and avoid staying overnight in a very high alert level area if you live elsewhere
