Is this allowed?

[MrJinxyCat]

My daughter is asking to meet with a group of friends from her class on Saturday. They want to go around town and have a Costa together.

We are in tier 2 area. I’ve said no as think it’s not allowed but I’m getting a lot of grief as her other 3 friends are allowed to go so making me doubt myself.

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

Yes you can meet in a group of 6 outside in tier 2.

[SingANewSongChickenTikka]

Outside in a group of up to six. They should be socially distancing within that though

[CovidPostingName]

Outside, takeaway Costa will be fine. They can't sit inside.

[MrJinxyCat]

Thanks all, she’s delighted to hear. They’ll get a takeaway Costa.

[RedskyAtnight]

They can only go "round town" if "town" is outdoors. Our "round town" involves a covered shopping centre, which counts as indoors.

[Frazzled2207]

whereas we're not supposed to go to hospitality indoors with others, i don't think there is specific guidance for 'shopping'. Given that we're not supposed to meet with other households inside I would say technically not, but it seems to be a bit of a grey area.
Assuming she and the friends are sensible, I'd let her. I'd much prefer it if she just went with one friend though.

[GreyishDays]

Given they they’re at school together I’d be comfortable with it. Whether it’s allowed, I don’t know as we’re not in tier two and I’ve lost any grip on the rules now anyway.

[RedskyAtnight]

@Frazzled2207

whereas we're not supposed to go to hospitality indoors with others, i don't think there is specific guidance for 'shopping'. Given that we're not supposed to meet with other households inside I would say technically not, but it seems to be a bit of a grey area.
Assuming she and the friends are sensible, I'd let her. I'd much prefer it if she just went with one friend though.

Not remotely a grey area Frazzled. The gov.uk guidelines literally say (for Tier 2)
"you must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors.

This includes in:
"

[frustrationcentral]

@RedskyAtnight

They can only go "round town" if "town" is outdoors. Our "round town" involves a covered shopping centre, which counts as indoors.

I've not heard of this? Our shopping centre has a sign up suggesting small groups etc but nothing about not mixing with other households

[frustrationcentral]

Gosh that's news to me red! Not that I have anyone to go shopping with who I don't live with

[Frazzled2207]

Fair point @RedskyAtnight

[Frazzled2207]

but still as pp said if they are in a school bubble together I would allow.

[RedskyAtnight]

I hate shopping and was so pleased when shopaholic DD got to the age that I could send her to Primark the shops with friends. So the no shopping with others outside your household is a nightmare for me. Not that DD is so keen on the shops now she can't try on a dozen unsuitable outfits and take loads of photos of her wearing them.