Updated guidance on takeaway procedures

Please note: this article was correct at the time of writing and publication. However, please bear in mind that advice and guidance may change at short notice due to the nature of this unprecedented situation. We are doing our utmost to provide up to date information, as and when it happens.

For the latest, please visit www.ncass.org.uk/coronavirus

Following collective lobbying of government, particularly Defra and BEIS, regarding the importance of the takeaway sector, the government has updated its guidance on takeaway procedures.

The guidance previously stated that no orders should be taken on-site at all, posing an obstacle to many parts of the sector. The advice now states that businesses should encourage customers to order online, by app or by phone.

Specifically, the newly published guidance states:

“Customers should be encouraged to order online, by app, or by phone. Customers waiting to order or collect should wait in a designated area where a 2-metre distance from other people can be maintained. If this is not possible, customers should enter the premises one at a time and only when their order is ready to be made or collected. Collection times should be staggered to discourage crowding outside the premises. Where queuing is taking place, you should use queue management systems to maintain a 2-metre distance between people.”

The FSA has also updated its guidance to customers:

“Where possible you should place your order by telephone, app or online and get a designated time for collection.

If you are collecting your food in person from a takeaway or restaurant which offers a pick-up service, you should adhere to the social distancing rules set out by the food business. This may include having staggered collection times and using a queue management system to maintain the 2-metre separation.”

This is good news for the industry and removes the lack of clarity which left some of our members feeling conflicted over whether they could trade. If you have any questions about this update or indeed, anything else relating to the laws regarding trading at this time, please give us a call on 0300 124 6866.

NCASS Member?

To discuss any of the above points or if you have any questions, please contact your NCASS Account Manager on 0300 124 6866 Monday -Thursday 9-5:30pm and Friday 9am – 5pm.