Frome : Hopeful shop keepers, barbers cutting it fine : Even early birds looking for a bargain

By Susie Watkins

2nd Dec 2020 | Local News

Welcome to Tier 2.

Frome was feeling very upbeat today (December 2) with early bird shoppers, barbers sharpening their scissors for a busy day ahead and everyone welcoming the hopeful news today of the vaccine.

Under the new restrictions, non essential shops are now allowed to re-open here in town.

So it was open doors, for the first time, for Jude's gift shop at the bottom of Catherine Hill, and busy times for the charity shops, who are warning that they are not yet in a position to accept donations.

A reminder of some of the restrictions on businesses and venues in Tier 2 areas :

- nightclubs and adult entertainment venues must remain closed

- pubs and bars may not provide alcohol for consumption on the premises, unless with a substantial meal, so they are operating as a restaurant. They may remain open for take-away services

other hospitality businesses – including cafes, restaurants and social clubs – can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. If they are a business which serves alcohol for consumption on the premises, they must be table service only. In cinemas, theatres, concert halls and sports stadia, alcohol can be ordered at a bar to be consumed when seated in the auditorium or area where the screening/performance is taking place. This should be limited to only those with tickets. When it is to be consumed in the bar area itself, it must be part of a substantial meal and full table service must be provided

- hospitality venues that do not serve alcohol may allow someone to order from the counter, but they must still consume their meal from a seat if eating in

- hospitality venues must stop taking orders after 10pm and must close between 11pm and 5am

- hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm, such as by take-away. After 11pm, this must only be through delivery service or click-and-collect or drive-through.

- visitor attractions, entertainment businesses and venues may open but early closure (11pm) applies to the following:

casinos

theatres

museums

bowling alleys

adult gaming centres and amusement arcades

funfairs, theme parks and adventure parks and activities

bingo halls

cinemas, theatres, concert halls and sports stadia

cinemas, theatres, concert halls and sports stadia can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances and events that start before 10pm.