Plan B easing announcement expected

19-Jan-2022 - Last updated on 19-Jan-2022 at 11:09 GMT

Government rules: the work from home guidance has impacted pubs, particularly those in town and city centres (image: Getty/Catherine Delahaye)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to reveal the lifting of Plan B rules will be implemented next week in an announcement later today (Wednesday 19 January).

Plan B rules including the work from home message are expected to be lifted however, it has been reported the requirement for face masks in indoor settings such as cinemas and theatres will remain in place.

The Plan B rules, which were first announced in December, are set to expire next week (Wednesday 26 January).

According to reports, the Cabinet is due to review the latest data before Johnson addresses MPs this afternoon.

Plan B rules

Yesterday (Tuesday 18 January), health secretary Sajid Javid told MPs he was “cautiously optimistic we will be able to substantially reduce restrictions next week”.

Current Plan B measures in place are face masks for most public indoor places including public transport and shops but excluding pubs.

It also includes advice to work from home where possible, which has hit pubs, particularly those in town and city centres.

At the time of the announcement, British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said it was a “huge blow” for the sector and the work from home message would be devastating for pubs near offices and in town centres.

For the late-night sector, it has also meant the introduction of mandatory Covid passes where people must show proof of full vaccination or a negative test result to enter nightclubs and other large events.

Night-time sector impact

In response to this last month (December), the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) said the Government had thrown the late-night industry “under the bus to save his own skin”.

NTIA boss Michael Kill added: “The announcement of Plan B by the Government is devastating news for nightlife sector.

“Vaccine passports have a damaging impact on night-time economy businesses, as we seen in other parts of the UK where they have been implemented like Scotland – where trade is down 30% - and Wales, where it down 26%. The UK Government has twice ruled out vaccine passports before twice changing their mind.”

However, if the rules are lifted as anticipated, it could mean Covid Passes would no longer be required for entry into nightclubs.