AIBU about going to this pub again?

[dragondee]

NC for this. I live in a town in England which is in Tier 2.

I went to my local pub yesterday; DH and I phoned and booked a table thinking we'd have dinner and a couple of glasses of wine. We go there fairly regularly but only eat occasionally.

When we got there the pub was very busy, but hardly anyone was eating. The pub said we didn't have to order food if we didn't want to and they were relaxed about the substantial meal requirement.

We did eat, as we had planned to and the food was lovely. It was so nice to go out for a meal again. But I did feel a bit uncomfortable being in an environment where the law wasn't being adhered to on the first day of post lockdown opening.

AIBU to not want to go again? DH thinks I am.

Would eating a meal have made a difference to the other clientele? Or to your risk of coronavirus?

I just realised I wasn't clear. DH was suggesting that next time we just go for a drink. That's what I wasn't very comfortable with.

YABU I think. As long as all the other rules were being adhered to - social distancing/tabke service only/masks on when not sat down etc then I wouldn't be too bothered.

I'm just jealous as I am in tier 3 so would love to go out for something to eat but can't!

Are you more likely to catch covid if you don't eat?

No, you were quite clear But I did feel a bit uncomfortable being in an environment where the law wasn't being adhered to on the first day of post lockdown opening.

It's a stupid rule.

There’s a reason for the substantial meal requirement.

Are you ok with breaking other public safety laws?

I do agree that the rules are stupid. I don't see why we can go into a cafe and have a coffee but can't go into a pub and have a glass of wine. The rules pre lockdown where is was households only at a table and table service made more sense.

I'm not concerned about the covid risk. It felt safe. I am concerned though about breaking the law, although I'm not sure if I would be?

If you feel uncomfortable dont go. They clearly don't need your custom.

I'm not concerned about the covid risk. It felt safe. I am concerned though about breaking the law, although I'm not sure if I would be?

Someone recently lost their license in Scotland for not following the guidelines. I think it would be the pub breaking the law, not you, but equally I wouldn't be supporting this.

Were people sitting down at tables? I wouldnt make too much of a fuss if people were sat at tables and socially distancing but if they were gather around the bar I wouldnt go back

If people doing their level best to feed their kids and keep roofs over heads upsets you, then stay in.
I would not be reporting someone for not serving food. The rule is stupid. Corona isn't going to give you a swerve because you're eating 🙄 the risk is the same!

Plonque I absolutely wouldn't be reporting them. It hasn't even crossed my mind.

Peanutbutterblood yes, people were sitting at tables. Not necessarily with people from their own household.

I'm not really concerned about my personal safety but I guess I'm not keen on breaking the law. Although it may be the pub breaking the law, not me.

Report them. They are breaking the law and it is unfair to other licensees/pubs.

Local pubs near me are all complying, even though one is just offering a slice of pizza and some salad for £2 to meet the requirement.

yes, people were sitting at tables. Not necessarily with people from their own household.
I would definitely report a pub that was allowing this. Also the rule about food is to prevent people from spending all night boozing in the pub and, as a result of alcohol, then neglecting to follow social-distancing rules which are there to protect us. If you are only going there to eat and have a drink or maybe two with a meal, you are less likely to get pissed enough to forget the rules.

Is the rule not there tho so people don't just go for a 'sesh'. If you're going for a meal and a couple of drinks it's completely different to going and sinking 10 pints and getting lairy with your mates. Am I the only one that can see why the distinction is being made.

My honest answer? As soon as I realised that the pub wasn't abiding by the rules I would have left and get a takeaway at home or found somewhere that was obeying the rules. I might have reported them too, but I don't think you can report them after enjoying a meal there. I mean you can, but it wouldn't feel right to me.

I won't be reporting them but I won't go back. I would feel I was supporting them breaking the law and that doesn't sit comfortably with me.

It's a stupid rule and I really wouldn't have cared about it.

*I do agree that the rules are stupid"
There are not all. We know that's how the virus spread itself. The more drink and the easier it becomes to forget about keeping 2m away. Add the people from different households and it will become 3rd lockdown by the new year.

I also agree it's totally unfair towards the club's adhering to the rules. Hopefully it won't be long before someone dies report them.

This pisses me off no end. Rules are there to keep us safe. Ffs.

Well good old Michael Gove couldn’t even define what a substantial meal is when he was questioned. So the guidance is as clear as mud. Maybe those people had had something to eat and stayed on?
That bit has always confused me. Last time the same restrictions were in place, we saw 4 blokes buy some food to share, scoffed it and then sat merrily getting pissed after they’d finished. I’m not sure what the rules say about that, but it probably highlights that it’s all a bit daft.