It remains difficult to answer questions in a single document about what individual premises will have to do to be able to reopen their doors.

However, here is some simple advice we can offer to licence holders in anticipation of reopening:

• Read your licence:
  • Check what it permits and what it prohibits
    (For example – does it permit off sales? Is there a condition preventing patrons leaving the licensed area with open drinks containers?)
  • Does it contain any licence condition that would prevent you from opening in the way you had envisaged?
• Is your premises in an area subject to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)?
  • If so, does that PSPO restrict the consumption of alcohol?
• Do you have sufficient arrangements in place for cleaning, hand-washing and toilet facilities?
• How will you securely record the personal details of customers to assist with the NHS ‘Test and Trace’ service? - You should assist this service by keeping a temporary record of your customers and visitors for 21 days, in a way that is manageable for your business, and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed.
• What will you do if it rains? (Government guidance now suggests you should make it clear to customers, they will not be permitted inside in inclement weather)
• Will your plans impact on neighbouring businesses and residents?
  (For example, socially-distanced queuing on public highway)
• Do you need to make any changes to your licence or submit a Temporary Event Notice?
• Have you carried out a COVID-19 Risk Assessment?
• Can you accommodate social distancing of 2m? If 2m is not viable, what risk mitigations will you put in place? This needs to be in your risk assessment. (You still must ensure a minimum of 1m even with risk mitigation.)

Useful links:

• Check your licence on the public register
• View Public Space Protection Orders
• Apply for licence variations or Temporary Event Notices
• Government Guidance on working safely