Here are the new lockdown regulations for the whole of England except Leicester. 15 hours before pubs opening! Extraordinary.
Will briefly review in this thread legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/684/…
Will briefly review in this thread legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/684/…
OK, took me a bit to understand the new Regulation 5 but in summary
- Gatherings of more than 30 people banned
- Applies inside private dwellings and outside
- There are exceptions though (in (3)), I think for certain kinds of outdoor gatherings but not indoor /2
- Gatherings of more than 30 people banned
- Applies inside private dwellings and outside
- There are exceptions though (in (3)), I think for certain kinds of outdoor gatherings but not indoor /2
For the first time I think in the English lockdown regulations there are safety requirements imposed which will be about social distancing. This is for any business, charity etc. organising an outdoor event for more than 30 people. They can do it, as long as its safely /3
There's a big new power for @MattHancock in Regulation 6 - he can by direction (so basically a public edict) close any public outdoor place, or a category of public places - no need to do this through regulations (which aren't even that open to scrutiny as it is). Worrying /4
... though at least there is a right to appeal the direction. Who could bring one? Users of a park? Or just the park owner?
- Lots of responsibility on local authorities to notify people of the changes. Could be messy if this is regularly used /5
- Lots of responsibility on local authorities to notify people of the changes. Could be messy if this is regularly used /5
Oh wait, only owners and occupiers can appeal - so not users. /6
Once an outdoor place is designated a "restricted area" it cannot be entered by anyone without a "reasonable excuse" - you know the drill, here they are /7
And here's what you have been waiting for, pubs can now open, see Regulation 4 and Schedule 2 which lists the last remaining premises which must remain shut. You can make whatever jokes you like in the replies below* /7
* They are unlikely to be read
* They are unlikely to be read
Ooh, one more thing... I think playgrounds can now open. No restriction on outdoor play areas or playgrounds as in previous version. Let me know if I'm wrong about this! Happy weekend /8
One more one more thing... I think outdoor cricket is back! No restriction on cricket pitches and though my knowledge of the sport is poor I think you can play with 30 people or less.
Outdoor football too I think. Don't see why it would be prohibited /9
Outdoor football too I think. Don't see why it would be prohibited /9
Oh wait, one more one more one more thing... the sex ban has gone! No restriction on indoor gatherings of 30 people or less. Have friends round etc but be safe (that's me not the regulations talking). Again, make your own jokes please /10
More here
Final points:
- The people of Leicester have their own regulations which are much stricter and eg. still includes ban on private gatherings over 2 people ...
- The people of Leicester have their own regulations which are much stricter and eg. still includes ban on private gatherings over 2 people ...
- It is utterly ridiculous and irresponsible that such complex new criminal laws are released by Coronavirus Regulationcadabra hours before they come into force for the whole of England, tens of millions of people.
Oh and remember the guidance is different to the law and you should follow both, but can only be prosecuted for breaching the law gov.uk/government/pub…
Important to understand that govt guidance has always been at least a bit different to criminal laws enforcing the lockdown - but as of yesterday it is *really different* - for example, groups of six meeting from two different household is in guidance but in law it's groups of 30
I assume this is what the Prime Minister meant when he said when announcing the 4 July relaxation (I think) that they would focus more on guidance than law - and the behavioural science of it is probably fiendish - but since the beginning there has been a lack of...
... clarity over what is guidance and what is law, perhaps deliberately so, and no real sense (publicly at least) as to why one 'rule' is set in criminal law and another is just guidance, and why it has been different across the 4 nations of the UK. Has led to huge confusion
