Seated pub drinking to be allowed again for Easter

Tuesday 30 March 2021

Islanders will be able to enjoy a drink in the pub again from this Friday, without needing to also order food - as long as they are sitting down - 10 days earlier than originally planned.

In what will be seen as a boost for the hospitality sector, the Government has announced that it is going to remove covid restrictions more quickly than planned, following advice from its advisers, the low rate of cases, the testing and tracing program, and the number of vaccinations. Previously, the move wasn't scheduled to happen until 12 April.

Their decision means that pubs and nightclubs offering seated drinks service can open from Good Friday, if they keep customers at least 2 metres apart, limit table numbers to 10 people, and collect customer details for contact tracing.

Releasing the restrictions on travel has not been brought forward; currently, anyone arriving in Jersey is treated as having come from a ‘red’ zone and must quarantine for at least 10 days and return three negative tests. From 26 April, the ‘traffic light’ system will apply to anyone entering Jersey from the British Isles.

Pictured: lifting travel restrictions is not being brought forward.

Other restrictions will also be released more quickly, with the Government publishing a new 'roadmap' as follows:

...from Friday 2 April...(previously 12th April)

• alcoholic drinks table service resumes, without the need for an accompanying meal;
• customers must eat and drink at the table, but there is no requirement to order and pay at the table;
• food and drink must be ordered (in all food and drink premises) before 23:00 and the establishments must close at 23.30
  • no limit on dining or drinking time  
  • masks are still required except when seated at a table, without the need to be eating or drinking
  • table numbers still limited to 10, with 2m or screens between people sitting at adjacent tables.

...from Monday 12 April...(previously 10 May)

• physical distancing requirements replaced with guidance.
• working from home guidance lifted.
• no limits on size of gatherings in venues, such as controlled wedding receptions, wakes or theatre performances. Masks to be worn indoors.
• up to 20 people can attend informal gatherings in people’s homes and gardens or in public places, such as beaches.
• no limit on spectators or participants at sporting events. Masks to be worn indoors.

 ...Monday 26 April...Travel reconnection to United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Guernsey 

...Monday 10 May...

• standing alcoholic drink service resumes;
• saunas and Jacuzzis reopen;
• masks still required indoors;

....No earlier than Monday 17 May: Travel reconnection to other jurisdictions (excluding UK list of banned countries) 

...Monday 14 June...

• unlimited number of people permitted in homes and gardens;
• nightclubs fully reopen, including dancing;
• larger indoor and outdoor events and festivals permitted, subject to case numbers and risk assessment.

Pictured: more than 50,000 have now had at least one dose of vaccine, one of the reasons for the restrictions being lifted more quickly than planned. 

The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “After considering advice from STAC we are confident that it is now safe to bring forward the next stages of our reconnection plan. We are maintaining a phased approach, which safeguards our community and our successful vaccination programme, while also relaxing restrictions and allowing Islanders to resume more of their regular activities.

“The latest figures on active cases and vaccination implementation show that we can now afford to bring forward the relaxation of restrictions and look forward to further reconnection with confidence. We will, however, remain vigilant and I would urge Islanders to continue to play their part by following the remaining guidance.”

The earlier opening date for seated drinking has been welcomed by Simon Soar, Chief Executive of the Jersey Hospitality Association:

“The JHA are delighted ministers have made the decision to bring forward the timeline for re-opening on the understanding that the risks to the island have dramatically reduced.

"While we’re disappointed not to reduce the distancing requirements down to 2 metres at this stage, it’s good to know that we’ll soon be able to operate at a more normal level.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming guests back into our establishments to enjoy the excellent hospitality on offer.”