Roadmap out of lockdown

From 19 July, the government removed all legal limits on the numbers meeting indoors and outdoors as part of 'Step 4' of the government's roadmap out of lockdown. 

All venues which have previously been closed will be allowed to reopen, including nightclubs, and there will be no legal requirement for table service in hospitality settings.

More information about COVID-secure advice for businesses can be viewed on the government's website.

COVID-19 risk assessment

Businesses still have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business. The way to do this is to carry out a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks you identify.

You should use the guidance outlined below to consider the risk within your premises and decide which mitigations are appropriate to adopt. The Health and Safety Executive has published guidance on undertaking risk assessments, including some key areas to consider such as promoting good hand hygiene, identifying areas where ventilation needs to be improved, cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly, and communicating your measures to staff and customers.

Remember that anyone with coronavirus symptoms needs to self-isolate and arrange an NHS (PCR) test. Close contacts of people with coronavirus also need to self-isolate.

Follow the venue guidelines

After reviewing your circumstances and undertaking a risk assessment, some venues may choose to still advise certain things, such as wearing face coverings. Please respect each venue's decisions on what COVID restrictions or advice they will be offering to customers.

Business basics to work safely

The gov.uk website has lots of useful information and guidance for businesses and how to continue operating safely following the move to Step 4.