BRITS cheering on England during Euros matches in pubs will be banned from singing and chanting to stop the spread of Covid-19.
One doctor warned that singing “generates aerosol particles” which could be carrying coronavirus.
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Fans are banned from singing and standing in the pub and table service is in place to stop the spread of Covid-19[/caption]
Fans drinking in the pub over the weekend will be banned from singing ‘Football’s Coming Home’ and ‘God Save the Queen’.
Downing Street has set rules that prohibit customers from singing, especially loudly, because it’s considered a transmission risk.
Dr Amir Khan this morning said while it may seem as though he’s a party pooper, we aren’t yet out of the woods with Covid-19 and still need to remain cautious.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain today he said dancing and singing in pubs is currently illegal.
He said: “We’re not supposed to be celebrating and we’re still not supposed to be singing, and of course they go hand in hand, a celebration for a big football tournament where Scotland are there and Wales are there and England are there and all those nations get together.
“You want to be able to share that experience. Emotions will be running high, it’s a great weekend for football.
“It’s great that people can go to pubs to watch it but it’s now illegal to sing and dance and pub owners could be fined for it, and the reason for it, I feel like a party pooper here!”
He added that while it would be difficult for individuals to spread aerosol particles from singing, he said in a pub, indoors, the risk would be amplified.
“Outdoors is less problematic because there’s breezes and things to move particles along. It’s more about indoor singing.
“But it will be difficult to police. I think people will find it difficult to control their emotions”, he added.
COVID RULES
The current rules mean that any music in a pub should be played at a low, almost background level, to prevent any shouting, singing or dancing occurring over the top of it.
The government’s guidance covers any hospitality venue for that matter, so it’s not just pubs, and includes restaurants, bars and similar places serving food or drink as well.
Owners and staff at venues will have to adhere to the rules and make sure punters are obeying them too, especially if they are showing the Euro 2020 games this weekend where spirits will likely be running high.
It means fans won’t be able to sing the usual chants that would normally be part of the roaring atmosphere found at the pub during a big football match.
New pub rules from May 17
THE latest easing of restrictions came into place on May 17, but there are still rules to follow until the complete easing is due to happen on June 21. These are:
- The rule of six inside
- Party up to 30 allowed outside
- Only table service allowed
- Contactless ordering where available
- Relaxed limits on max number of customers
- Staff must wear masks and gloves
- Customers must each check in with the NHS app
- Social distancing to be adhered to
Legal expert Graeme Cushion, a specialist in pub licensing, said: “I suspect our patriotism – particularly if England is doing well in the tournament – may get the better of us.”
There are also rules that mean standing and singing are a definite no-no too, as pubs and other venues must continue table service at the current time.
Mr Cushion, a partner at top London law firm Poppleston Allen, said: “Businesses showing games may ask you to sit down and not stand up to sing.
“And if indoors, as soon as you do stand up, you should wear a face mask, which is going to make singing somewhat more awkward.”
The British beer and pub association surveyed 1,000 pub-goers and 85% of supporters have said restrictions will ruin watching the Euros down at the local.
It means there is more pressure on PM Boris Johnson to push ahead with “Freedom Day” on June 21 where restrictions, especially on how hospitality operates, will be lifted and things are set to go back to “normal”.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “More and more people are getting the vaccine each day.
“It’s time for the restrictions on our freedoms to be replaced by the protection of the vaccination and for businesses and life to get back to normal.”