What counts as a ‘substantial meal’ in a pub? Minister suggests Scotch egg could work

Pubs and restaurants in Tier 2 will only be able to serve alcohol inside or outside with a substantial meal

(Fuller’s)

A Scotch egg may amount to a “substantial meal” so ordering one in a pub or restaurant could entitle people to drink alcohol under Covid-19 rules, a Cabinet minister said.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said provided it was served as part of table service, he believed it would meet the criteria to be allowed to drink alcohol in pubs or restaurants in Tier 2.

Under the new tiering restrictions, which MPs will vote on tomorrow, pubs and restaurants in Tier 2 will be allowed to re-open on Wednesday but only able to serve alcohol inside or outside with a substantial meal.

Pressed on LBC Radio whether a Scotch egg was a “substantial meal”, Mr Eustice said: “This is a term that is understood very much by the restaurant trade.

“I think a Scotch egg probably would count as a substantial meal if there were table service and often that might be as a starter.

“But yes, I think it would.

“But this is a term that is understood in licensing since you can have the concept of a table licence for alcohol that also requires you to serve a substantial meal.”

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