Eating and drinking
Read our FAQs to find out how we’re working hard to make sure eating out and drinking in the city is safe and enjoyable.
Visit GOV.UK for further guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaways.
Which bars, pubs, restaurants will be opening?
Which bars, pubs, restaurants will be opening?
Why are some of them not opening?
Will the venues look different?
It’s likely seating will change inside and some businesses may also introduce a pavement service offer that didn’t exit pre-Covid-19. Some restaurants and bars will have installed Perspex screens and others may introduce a one-way system inside to maintain social distancing. Table service will be in operation and there will be no live entertainment, dancing in groups or loud music.
Fruit machines, jukeboxes, and games such as pool and darts are all allowed as long as the venue has carried out a risk assessment and there is consideration given for social distancing and regular cleaning.
Carverys can also still operate, but customers cannot serve themselves and staff will be expected to do this.
Will I have to pre-book for all restaurants or can I just turn up in the day?
Can I visit with my friends and family?
Will I have to pre-book for non-food venues?
If a venue wants to take my details – what will these be used for?
What are the opening hours – will bars stay open until the early hours?
Will TV screens be allowed and can they show sporting events?
Will venues have indoor and outdoor seating?
Some will, some won’t. The recently announced Liverpool Without Walls pilot will see a £450,000 investment by Liverpool City Council which will allow businesses to utilise the pavements outside their premises. To read the full story click here.
Will I be able to use the toilets in the venue?
Do I have to wear a face covering in the venue?
Will hand sanitiser be available?
Will Liverpool City Council be carrying out pre-opening checks to make sure venues are abiding by social distancing rules?
If a business is not following the rules – can they stop them from opening?
If social distancing isn’t adhered to when the venue reopens, what powers does the council have to close it?
Will the council be carrying out spot-checks from 4 July?
If customers are concerned about measures a venue has, or has not, put in place, who can they contact?
Anyone who has concerns about the operation of a business can notify the city council by emailing licensingact2003@liverpool.gov.uk
Whose responsibility is it if there is any anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour should be reported to the Merseyside Police in the first instance. If there are repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour directly linked to a specific licensed venue, it could lead to a review of the licence. In such instances please notify the Liverpool City Council licensing team at licensingact2003@liverpool.gov.uk
Will the cleansing teams be out more frequently to clean the streets?
Can I use public transport to get around the city?
Public transport is running but customers need to be aware that space is greatly reduced on buses, trains and ferries due to social distancing rules. Merseytravel is asking people to rethink if, when and by what means they travel. Cycling and walking is advised wherever possible. If you need to use public transport it is vital that you plan ahead and leave plenty of time for your journey.
The Government has announced that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport, with some exceptions. All the latest information is available as part of Merseytravel’s ReThink Travel campaign and can be found on the Merseytravel website.
Can I get a taxi?
Travelling in a taxi is of course an option and Liverpool City Council has become the first authority in the country to approve a locally-made protective screen for taxis and private hire vehicles that will help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Read the full story here.