Business Support: Newsletter 25

TIER 2: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hertfordshire has been placed in Tier 2: High alert
This is for areas with a higher or rapidly rising level of infections, where some additional restrictions need to be in place.

In tier 2:

you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:
- Provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol
- Close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)
stop taking orders after 10pm
Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
Early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
Public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
Places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.
Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
If you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey

TODAY: All questions answered by Public Health officers

.We have set up a meeting with Public Health officials who will be providing the businesses with support on re-opening safely. The meeting will be taking place on Thursday 26th November at 6pm.

The meeting will focus on Public Health addressing any questions from businesses and will be reiterating the need to ensure controls are in place as footfall is likely to be greater in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Can you share with your business contacts please and the link to join:

PUBLIC HEALTH MEETING
THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER - 6pm
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting

New Discretionary Grants Available

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has now made available the new discretionary grants through a simple application form on the website.

This grants are primarily aimed at supporting those businesses which have had less direct financial support from national schemes, such as businesses who weren’t eligible for both the 100% rates relief from the COVID-19 rate relief and mandatory grant schemes. They are also looking to support businesses that are not on the local rating list.

Apply for the Discretionary Grant Now
https://welhat.gov.uk/additional-restrictions-grant

Supporting Businesses re-opening on December 2nd

Our extra ambassadors will be back from the 2nd November to support the safe re-opening of businesses. Please get in touch with Naomi to let us know how we can best support your business ambassadors@wgcbid.co.uk

#SHOPLOCAL this Christmas

We are promoting local spend in town over Christmas so please make sure you tag us on all your social media posts please!
Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram

Christmas opening times

We've heard from a few businesses already regarding amended opening times, but we need more information so that we can promote all businesses.
Please get in touch to let us know as soon as possible if you are thinking of amendin your opening hours over the Christmas period.

Gift Card Campaign is Back

Now lockdown is lifting, the car parking campaign will be re-instated from Monday 7th December.

REMEMBER EVERYONE WHO PARKS IN HUNTERS BRIDGE CAR PARK AND PAYS BETWEEN £2.50 AND £3.50 CAN CLAIM A FREE GIFT CARD TO BE SPENT OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD IN YOUR BUSINESS - INCLUDE THIS INFO IN ALL YOUR COMMUNICATIONS AS AN ADDED BENEFIT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!

Please remind your staff of the redemption process and let us know if you have any issues.

BID Business Support - Newsletter 25

Some more useful links