The new rules around visiting pubs and restaurants in Sheffield after law change

From today, gatherings of more than six people will be illegal.

Currently, the lawful limit on gatherings is 30 people.

– Why are they being introduced?

Infection rates have gone up quite rapidly prompting chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty to say the nation is “not yet in trouble, but heading for trouble” in these circumstances.

There has been a significant rise in incidences of coronavirus, up from 12.5 to 19.7 per 100,000 in last week, and figures suggest the R number is above 1.

The cases are most common among the 19-21 age group but there is concern that the rises in younger people may then move quickly through different older age groups.

Other warning signs also include a rise in the percentage of positive tests which can not be put down to more testing taking place.

– Will they apply in a pub?

The rules will apply across England to all ages and in any setting either indoor and outdoors, at home or a pub.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it is safer to meet outdoors and people should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with, even if they are close friends or family.

He said people “must not meet socially in groups of more than six – and if you do, you will be breaking the law.”

– What will the punishments be for breaking the rules?

Mr Johnson said the new rules will be enforced by the police and anyone breaking them risks being “dispersed, fined and possibly arrested”.

Failure to stick to the new rules could mean a £100 fine, which will double with every subsequent offence up to £3,200.

– What will change at pubs?

Venues where people gather will now be “legally required” to get and keep the contact details of a member of every group for 21 days in order to provide them to NHS test and trace “without delay” if needed.

The hospitality venue could face a fine if it fails to stick to the Covid-security standards and the government pledged to back local authorities to make “further and faster use of their powers” against venues who break the rules.

Venues like pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas must have a system in place by law to record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff by September 18.

A name, a contact number, date of visit, arrival time and – if possible – departure time are among the details which will be needed.

Fines could be handed out if premises fail to collect contact information or book in groups of more than six. Further details on the rules are soon to be announced.

Covid-secure marshals are to be introduced to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres. A register of environmental health officers is also to be

set up to help local authorities.

Border force will step up enforcement of quarantine for travellers into the country.

Mr Johnson said there will also be a restriction of opening hours of premises in “some local areas”.