EDEN’S residents and visitors have been given new guidance on how to follow the latest Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the Government.

Eden District Council has provided guidance on how to follow the new “rule of six” put in place by the Government to ensure contact between households is minimised, amid rising cases of Covid-19 across the country.

The council’s licensing and enforcement team issued clarification at the end of last week for members of the public on how to observe the new restrictions while visiting licensed premises.

The authority's licensing and enforcement officer, Steve Wilde, explained that it is important that residents and visitors alike understand and observe the new “rule of six” guidelines in order to protect themselves and others whilst enjoying themselves on a night out.

“The rule of six applies to groups from any household inside or outside licensed premises,” he said.

“If you are from a household of more than six people, or your household has formed a support bubble with another single household, you may still enter licensed premises together.

“However, you should expect to be challenged by staff.”

The new rules also apply to groups of people that work or play sports together. If there are more than six people in the group then they must not sit together at a single table and must separate into socially distanced groups of six, or fewer.

Large family groups that do not live in the same household must also observe the rule, and cannot be seated at a single table together.

Anyone visiting a licensed premise is reminded that standing, singing and dancing are not permitted indoors, and licensees are prevented from allowing customers to stand or sit at bars, other than to order, or collect drinks.

“Standing is only permitted outside licensed premises,” he explained.

“In order to reduce the risk of airborne transmission, singing and dancing whilst on licensed premises are also not allowed. Any music must be background music only.”

The rule of six applies at all times on licensed premises and groups of more than six must stay apart.

Tables and chairs must not be moved to allow larger groups to sit together.

“If you are moving about inside licensed premises, please try to keep to the social distance rule,” Mr Wilde added.

Anyone who feels unwell or suspects they may have Covid-19 symptoms should not enter licensed premises and staff have the right to refuse entry if they suspect anyone is symptomatic.

Customers are encouraged to increase their use of hand sanitiser whilst on licensed premises. These will be provided by each establishment.

Anyone attending licensed premises must provide contact details, including a name and contact number, as well as the date and time of arrival to support NHS Track and Tracing.

“This is now the law and cannot be ignored,” Mr Wilde stressed.