How Covid compliant did I find a sample of local pubs?

As if it has not been hard enough coming out of lockdown for local hospitality industry, the announcements last weekend  (26thSeptember 2020) have added an additional  layer of time restrictions to an already reduced  customer window.
 
If local pubs and restaurants  were acting irresponsibility then clearly it would have been warranted. From our spot check, if anything, the vast majority of local businesses have not only taken on the Covid compliance requirements, but exceeded them.   (More than can be said for House of Parlaiment bar)
 
Why have they you may ask? Simply because they are establishments run by local people who care about their community and want to be serving you for years to come.
 
I visited a number of City of pubs and a couple of restaurants to check how their compliance was. 

 
These including The Last Pub Standing, Rumsey Wells, Gonzos, Fat Cat Brewery Tap, Walnut Tree Shades, Louis Marchesi, Marsh Harrier  and Cuba Revolution. 

So a mixture of independents and a chain. 
 
Without exception, I was met at the door and escorted to a table. 
Test and Track was the first priority for each establishment. 
All tables were socially distanced and dependent on party size, up to 6, you were allocated your table. 
Food and drink orders taken at your table, either by the waiting staff or using their app system. 

All service was table service, including payment. 

 
The same was the case for local restaurants Zaks and Franks Bar. 

 
So what relevance has this to the new restrictions?
 
The present restrictions are encouraging people to go to other non regulated options at 10pm to quench their appetite.  As someone who has dealt directly with the bar and restaurant industry in Norwich over a number of years, I think I can say with my hand on my heart, the bars and restaurants take their responsibilities very seriously.  With a one size fits all curfew deadline, it is encouraging a wave of people coming out at the same time.  Surely it is possible, via allowing local public authorities, to stagger times for our hospitality industry and achieve a managed customer flow.   Also, not to penalise the hospitality for the conscientious approach.  Again creating an opportunity for less responsible options to prosper.  

As the BBC Panorama investigation into test and Track procedures revealed earlier this week, local public health organisations will most likely be better at managing local contact of those perceived at risk,  rather than a one size fits all approach of central government.  Probably no surprise as local authorities, will have a range of contact options rather than just one mobile number.

Finally, if we are to believe the information put forward, much of the spread and contagion comes from other settings than bars and restaurants.  The public of Norwich have proven themselves responsible.  Lets not fall into the spiteful sensationalists media pre-occupation of pitching one section of the community against another.  Often the motivation for such media is circualtion revenue or digital clickbait.  

Let the public of Norwich carry on being responsible, give the hospitality industry a chance and finally let the local public health authorities take the appropriate action for thier own region.  It appeared to work well on the Banham Poultry outbreak. 

Keep safe and well Norwich.