The UK government’s new 'Rule of 6' came into force on Monday, sparking real estate firms to issue guidance on sectors affected, notably hotels.
From 14 September, people in England cannot meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than 6.
This applies indoors and outdoors, including in private homes. The change is meant to ‘simplify and clarify’ the rules on social gatherings, so they are easier to understand and easier for the police to enforce, Boris Johnson’s government said.
There are a limited number of exemptions. For example, 'Covid-19-secure venues', such as places of worship, restaurants, and hospitality venues, can still host larger numbers in total but groups of up to 6 must not mix or form larger groups.
This rule will not apply to individual households or 'support bubbles' of more than six who will still be able to gather. Education and work settings are unaffected, and organised team sports will still be able to proceed, as will weddings and funerals up to 30.
James Shorthouse, head of alternative markets at Colliers International, was among those to opine on the changes. He said, ‘With today’s enforcement of the Government’s new "rule of six" it’s important to examine how these measures, which have been implemented to combat the sharp rise in Covid-19 infection rates, will have an impact on the hospitality and leisure industry.
‘Hospitality premises can be configured to conform to the maximum six persons rule by correct layout of tables, limiting the numbers of seats at a table and allocating customers to specified tables.'
He added, ‘The Hospitality sector clearly wants to avoid a second spike, and a consistent set of rules are important so that customers, owners and staff understand what is allowed. Naturally we want to get back to a situation without restrictions as soon as possible but the sector has already demonstrated its commitment to operating in a responsible manner, adhering to the rules and ensuring that the trading environment does not increase the risk of spreading the virus.
‘Any increase in regulation brings additional costs to businesses, so it is really important that the rule of six is kept under review and that it is relaxed as and when it is safe to do so.
‘Successful implementation of this rule will require cooperation between operators and the police / local authorities, and it is vital that adequate funding is put in place to pay for the additional enforcement officers.’
