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Takeaway customers are being reminded they should eat their food at home under the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives
With the lockdown continuing – and an indication from the Government that the rules will not change over the bank holiday weekend – it is still very important for people to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
Although our residents have largely respected the regulations, authorities are increasingly finding some are ignoring the spirit of the lockdown – in particular using takeaways but eating their food nearby rather than taking it home as part of ‘exercise’.
Councils across Essex and Essex Police have worked together to develop the Don’t Stay, Take it Away campaign for local businesses, residents and visitors.
Under the COVID-19 regulations food outlets can trade as takeaways, but have a responsibility to make sure customers do not congregate outside, even if they do not own the land.
Continue to respect the guidelines
Cllr Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council said:
Many businesses are offering takeaway food options to keep their enterprises ticking over and we applaud them for their initiative.
But this only works if their customers continue to respect the guidelines on social distancing. So please, don’t stay, take it away.
Take it home and eat it there
BJ Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex Police, thanked those who had been observing the lockdown.
Mr Harrington said:
We understand just how tough it is on everybody, and I am so pleased that here in Essex everyone has by and large followed the rules.
The longer the lockdown continues the harder it becomes, but it is so important that we continue to observe the rules and follow the guidance from scientists to ensure that we don’t undo all of the good work done so far.
With that in mind while the lockdown continues, if you do get a takeaway and collect it yourself please leave straight away, take it home, and eat it there.
Business owners guide
Business owners guide:
- Seating next to your business, whether owned by you or not, should not be used for eating or drinking
- Where possible orders should be taken in advance by phone or online
- Use a designated collection point where possible, and one customer at a time in building to collect
- Customers waiting to collect should be in designated area with social distancing (2m) maintained
- Collection times should be staggered
- Use queue management to maintain social distancing
- Food should be consumed at customers’ homes, not the premises or surrounding area
- Takeaways only
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