Working lunches could be exempt from tier restrictions

Government officials have suggested that meetings in hospitality venues for "work purposes" could be allowed, even in areas under Tier 2 or 3.

Although households are not permitted to mix indoors under Tier 2 restrictions, and under Tier 3 this applies indoors and outdoors, a Number 10 spokesman told The Telegraph that while current guidance advises people to limit their social contact and work from home as much as possible, "people are permitted to meet indoors for work purposes in high or very high areas".

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said on Twitter that "there is an exemption for work-related meetings which are necessary, but it does not state where this can take place". She added: "You are allowed to have a business meeting if in a separate room [or] discrete [area] but not over lunch or dinner in open restaurant".

She added: "As far as I can ascertain from government discussions the exemption for work purposes or business meetings allowing mixed households does not apply in the general restaurant or bar."

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