What is classed as a substantial meal under tier three coronavirus restrictions?

As of today, pubs, restaurants and cafes are only allowed to serve customers if they are there to eat a ‘substantial meal’.

There has been widespread speculation about what exactly that means, but the legislation is not precise.

So we put the exact question to the Government.

The Department for Health and Social Care said: “In areas of very high alert level (tier three) all hospitality venues are also required to cease the sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises unless it is provided as part of a substantial meal.

“It is clear that there is a difference between a meal and a snack, such as crisps.

“There is no prescribed limit for how long a meal is expected to take, however, we expect people to act reasonably, and for venues to take action to prevent people flouting the rules.

“Venues will face enforcement action from local authorities where they fail to comply.

“Additional restrictions in specific areas can be checked on the postcode checker on gov.uk

“Substantive meals are a well-established concept under existing licensing rules. The Licensing Act 2003 (Section 149) has a legal concept of ‘alcohol allowed with table meals’. This allows for 16 and 17-year-olds to have alcohol with an adult with a sit-down table meal.”

We also checked the exact wording of the licensing law quoted by the Department of Health and Social Care.

There is no definition of substantial, other than that 16 and 17-year-old are allowed to purchase alcohol with an adult for consumption: “At a table meal”.