Answers from Welsh Government to specific Member queries
dunoonhotel • 9 November 2020
After the UKH webinar, Rob Holt was asked more questions by Members
LHA Members' questions with answers given by Rob Holt on behalf of the Welsh Government
Point 1;
What are reasonable excuses for a group larger than 4?
In a hospitality
setting - single household of more than 4, or if someone has a carer
with them. Children under 11 do not count.
Point 4;
The NHS QR app works across the borders between all 4 nations but the
paper based system in use in Wales has not been asked for from
businesses by Public Health Wales and is an additional burden on
businesses which is not aiding the reduction of infection. Why are you
increasing the burden on our industry when we are not the problem?
This has not changed from pre-firebreak , need to be sure the NHS system is
effective.
Point 5;
Not everyone carries id with them at all times so is the verification of
every member of the group only required for groups over 4? My wife and I
live in the same place so why do we both have to provide details that
are identical?
As indicated in the guidance groups of 4 need to verify
who they are also this is to avoid people putting D Duck for example on
TTP info , bank card or similar is sufficient.
Point 11;
There are a whole list of Valid Legal reasons why a person from a
restricted area can legally travel and require food and possibly drink
so why are these guidelines in complete conflict with the Coronavirus
Regulations?
They are not , they are in line with the new Coronavirus
Regulations and cleared by WG lawyers who drafted the Regs.
Point 12;
Does Maximum capacity include children under the age of 11 or not?
Children under 11 do not count under the rule of 4 but must count
towards capacity as they are taking up space, the alternative would be
that a premises with a capacity of 30 could have 15 families of 4 with
all children under 11 and 60 persons in there - double the capacity.
Point 13;
What financial support is there to support the cost of the 'gatekeeper'
and additional signage regarding capacity etc?
WG has rolled out a
range of support schemes including ERF, LA grants and these sit
alongside UK schemes such as Furlough. There is no specific support for
implementing controlled entry , and it is clearly a commercial decision
for each premises as to whether to re-open. We will be providing info
material for premises to use.
Point 15;
have the Fire regulations been overridden regarding the propping open of
fire doors within an establishment and have London Fire Brigade approved
this regulatory change?
The Guidance does not override Fire Regulations
Fire doors should not be propped open.
Point 17;
Social distancing is the responsibility of the public and we are not
trained or competent to 'Police' this. The sector made clear from the
outset that they could re-open safely taking account of the pandemic and
implementing safeguards as they are used to , for example, dealing with
difficult customers. The sector has also made the argument that it is
safer to drink in regulated premises than at home.
Social distancing is a key part of safety and customers and business owners need to work
together to maximise SD and deliver a safe environment. If a business
does not feel it can do so then clearly it would not be looking to
re-open.
point 26;
Health and Safety Law states that a written RA is only required in a
business with more than 8 employees, so has the Health and Safety
legislation been overruled by these regulations?
The requirement is not new , it was agreed by the sector , and included in the guidance, when
hospitality re-opened in August. I would be extremely worries if an RA
was not in place already and only needed updating. Health and Safety Law
states that a written RA is not required for a business with less than 8
employees and therefore it may just be a mental change made by the
business with regards to its RA and any employees then updated
accordingly.
Announcement!!!!
Useful information regarding the change that arrives in July
Christmas 2023