Government extends lockdown powers for local councils

Advice correct at time of writing

The government has extended legislation to give local councils in England the power to extend lockdowns until 17th July.

The move could signal the closure of pubs and restaurants until July if transmission levels in certain areas of the country aren’t in decline in coming weeks.

Whilst it is expected that England will re-enter a tiered approach when the current lockdown ends, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his briefing on Friday that the government could not consider easing lockdown restrictions with infection rates at their current high levels, and until the vaccination programme is up and running.

The law allowing local authorities to close or limit access to premises or outdoor spaces in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus was first introduced in July 2020.

We will update you on the ongoing situation as soon as further information is made public by government. In the meantime, for all the latest updates on Covid-19 and resources for running your food/drink business during this time, visit our Coronavirus Hub.