Social distancing and closure of business – what does the law actually allow you to do?
On 26 March 2020 the government made laws* which impose restrictions on most businesses and organisations which deal with the general public and on individuals’ rights of movement and assembly. Many people do not know that there are exceptions to you what you may and may not do. We have highlighted some of them just in case it helps you.
If you are a café or restaurant owner: take away is allowed
You may sell food or drink for consumption off the premises which in turn means you must close off any part of your premises where customers may previously have stayed to eat and drink.
If you are a hotel owner or provide other accommodation (and are allowed to open- see below): room service is allowed.
If you are a market stall owner selling food: that is allowed
Courtesy of Jonathan Kemp Photography
If you own a shop or a library (and are not exempt-see below), you can continue provided you comply with the following restrictions:
- Distance selling only ie you can sell by delivery following receipt of orders by telephone, text, internet order or by post
- You must close any part of your business not needed to carry out the distance selling referred to above
- You must not allow anyone on to your premises unless they are required to carry on the business
Good news! You are exempt from the above restrictions if you run one of these shops or businesses:
- Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
- Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).
- Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
- Newsagents.
- Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores.
- Petrol stations.
- Car repair and MOT services.
- Bicycle shops.
- Taxi or vehicle hire businesses.
- Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers and cash points.
- Post offices.
- Funeral directors.
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners.
- Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health.
- Veterinary surgeons and pet shops.
- Agricultural supplies shops.
- Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business which may remain open under these Regulations.
- Car parks.
- Public toilets.
If you provide holiday accommodation, whether in a hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday apartment, home, cottage or bungalow, campsite, caravan park or boarding house, you may continue if it is to:
- Provide accommodation for any person, who:
- is unable to return to their main residence;
- uses that accommodation as their main residence;
- needs accommodation while moving house; or
- needs accommodation to attend a funeral
- Provide accommodation or support services for the homeless.
- Host blood donation sessions.
- Fulfil any purpose requested by the Secretary of State, or a local authority.
We hope these tips help you 🙂
Stay safe!
*The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/350) (Regulations)
