COVID Q&A Update 6th November 2020

Guidance updates Q&As

Q. Can elite sports teams staying in hotels eat together in the hotel restaurant?

A. Restaurants and bars within guest accommodation should remain closed; there are no exemptions to this in the regulations meaning that hotels do not have the cover to provide group dining or open restaurants for elite athletes. The exemption for elite athletes refers only to their need for accommodation for the purposes of training or competition. Food and/or drink including alcohol can be provided through room service as long as it is ordered by phone or online.

Q. Will outdoor events at hotels be allowed to continue after Thursday?

A. Outdoor events should not be taking place during the period of national restrictions.

Q. Are business meetings allowed in conference centres and exhibition halls?

A. Business meetings and events are advised against, but may take place with up to a total of 30 people if reasonably necessary – for example for the purposes of work that cannot be done at home – if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate it has followed the COVID-19 guidance. Event spaces, including in conference centres and exhibition halls, can be used for reasons permitted by law, including for business events of up to 30 where reasonably necessary, for education and training purposes where reasonably necessary, or to provide socially beneficial public services such as Nightingale hospitals or food banks. Conference centres and exhibition halls should remain closed for conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, private dining or banqueting events.  

Q. Can food and drink be served at a business meeting?

A. Basic catering and light refreshments can be provided where reasonably required at business meetings (for up to 30 people) and at education, work and training events. Food and drink should be served in the room where the meeting takes place and consumed by attendees while they are seated. We expect people to act reasonably and responsibly so the purpose of the meeting should not be the meal itself and private dining/banqueting should still not be happening.