UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “It is reassuring that the Government has understood the need for flexibility, demonstrating that they have listened to businesses. The guidance is pragmatic and should a provide venues with enough versatility to suit their own unique circumstances. This is exactly what was needed to avoid restricting venues and making the job of reopening even harder.
“The emphasis is now going to be on businesses and customers to exercise some responsibility and ensuring that the guidance works optimally. Venues are acutely aware of the need to build up trust and consumer confidence, and make customers feel safe in their venues. Looking after our guests is the hospitality sector’s modus operandi, so we have plenty of experience in taking care of customers and I am confident we can rise to this challenge.
“We have been working closely with the Government to ensure that guidance is workable and effective in mitigating risks. This will mean that more businesses stay alive and as many jobs as possible kept secure.
“We are now looking forward to working closely with the Government to discuss how we can begin to open up other parts of the hospitality sector to make the reopening of our economy a success.”