Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Is this actually allowed?

173 replies

BellCurve · 18/01/2021 09:51

I'm planning our wedding next year and I've just had a venue invite us to look around today or tomorrow. AIBU to be surprised at this?

I assumed that this wasn't allowed during lockdown, but they've just said to wear masks.

I mean, it's probably less risky than it will be straight after lockdown because there'll be no-one using the restaurant, less guests etc, but still, I didn't think this would be allowed.

OP posts:
bobbojobbo · 18/01/2021 10:38

It's a business, they're allowed to be open unless they've been instructed to close. Its not just "essential" businesses allowed to stay open

The business may be allowed to open, but you, the customer, are not allowed to go there as its not a reasonable excuse for a journey. This is not hard.

Lockdownshmockdown · 18/01/2021 10:39

Congrats on your wedding. Go to the viewing and enjoy yourself Smile

lemonsandlimes123 · 18/01/2021 10:40

bellcurve - Seriously! Which part of the guidance do you think applies that means that this visit is ‘allowed’.

Original poster
BellCurve · 18/01/2021 10:40

@bobbojobbo

It's a business, they're allowed to be open unless they've been instructed to close. Its not just "essential" businesses allowed to stay open

The business may be allowed to open, but you, the customer, are not allowed to go there as its not a reasonable excuse for a journey. This is not hard.

As I said, that's what I thought, but they've invited me in... I thought they'd know what they're allowed to do, so I'm surprised.
OP posts:
Seeline · 18/01/2021 10:41

The reasons for which you are allowed to leave home are very clear.

Visiting a potential wedding venue is not one of them.

It may well be low risk, but that is not the issue.

We are being urged to question whether each interaction we undertake is really essential - even if within the rules. Whilst I understand it would break the monotony of lockdown, and would be exciting for you, I honestly cannot see how it is essential.

Sparklingbrook · 18/01/2021 10:42

Well this simpleton is off to work. Stay home doesn't apply to me. Just get in touch with them OP, see if you can get a virtual tour/video or something.

Original poster
BellCurve · 18/01/2021 10:42

@lemonsandlimes123

bellcurve - Seriously! Which part of the guidance do you think applies that means that this visit is ‘allowed’.
That it's THEIR business, THEY should be the experts in the areas that apply to them. I can't be expected to know every rule related to absolutely every area and industry of the country.

Therefore I wasn't sure, and asked nicely.

It's a shame not everyone learnt the lesson about what to do when you don't have anything nice (or helpful) to say. You could've responded nicely, or just scrolled on by, without being rude to people. I won't respond to you again.

OP posts:
bobbojobbo · 18/01/2021 10:43

As I said, that's what I thought, but they've invited me in... I thought they'd know what they're allowed to do, so I'm surprised

They are a business. They want your money. They are not there to explain the lockdown rules to you.
Just because a business invites you to go to them does not mean you are allowed to go. I mean, its pretty simple: stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse to leave. Reasonable excuses are things like work that can't be done at home, medical appointments, and food shopping. NOT looking at wedding venues!

SmellyPooHead · 18/01/2021 10:43

In all honesty I don't think going to see a wedding venue is an essential journey
I'm surprised they can't do a virtual tour for clients

bobbojobbo · 18/01/2021 10:44

That it's THEIR business, THEY should be the experts in the areas that apply to them. I can't be expected to know every rule related to absolutely every area and industry of the country

You don't need to! You need to know the rules that apply to YOU, not to businesses. And you don't seem to.

KaMai · 18/01/2021 10:46

Its very simple, you may only leave your home and go near other people for essential reasons, what part of viewing a party venue is essential? Nonparametric, wedding or otherwise is essential or worth the risk, please stay hone like you're supposed to

FrackOffMrBubbles · 18/01/2021 10:46

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

bobbojobbo · 18/01/2021 10:46

From the actual list:
If it is ‘reasonably necessary’ to “buy goods or obtain services from” businesses that remain open - either for yourself, household members, or a “vulnerable person” or their household member.

It's not even a visit to buy goods or obtain services, its a visit to consider doing so, for an event that you are not allowed to hold, because LOCKDOWN.

Jeez.

fairgame84 · 18/01/2021 10:47

Our wedding has been cancelled for the 3rd time due to covid. Our venue invited us to go in last weekend to discuss a new date. I said no because it's not essential and booked a new date over the phone.
I don't understand why they think it's essential for us to go to the venue.
Surely most places are doing virtual viewings in lockdown or booking for after lockdown?

lemonsandlimes123 · 18/01/2021 10:48

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

fmlfmlfmlfm · 18/01/2021 10:48

It's allowed to be open because it's a job they are unable to do from home, but you're not allowed to go and attend it being open as it's not essential

WinkHmmConfusedGrin

Icanseegreenshoots · 18/01/2021 10:50

yes you are allowed as long as you socially distance and wear a mask

bobbojobbo · 18/01/2021 10:52

yes you are allowed as long as you socially distance and wear a mask

No, you're not.

lemonsandlimes123 · 18/01/2021 10:53

Icanseegreenshoots- can you copy and paste the part of the guidance that support your assertion

BendingSpoons · 18/01/2021 10:54

The rules are all contradictory anyway! Most places open for click and collect are not essential e.g. the local party shop. So they can be open, but if I visit it is not essential (so breaking the rules) unless I walk maybe, so that it is exercise?

OP is it within your local area? I would travel locally (whatever that means anyway!) but not a long way.

Bluesheep8 · 18/01/2021 11:00

It's not essential though is it? Not like, say food shopping. There's a big difference between something being important (to you) and essential.
I speak as someone who stops and thinks carefully before going anywhere nowadays....

Original poster
BellCurve · 18/01/2021 11:05

@fairgame84

Our wedding has been cancelled for the 3rd time due to covid. Our venue invited us to go in last weekend to discuss a new date. I said no because it's not essential and booked a new date over the phone. I don't understand why they think it's essential for us to go to the venue. Surely most places are doing virtual viewings in lockdown or booking for after lockdown?
Thanks, that's my thinking, it's working that they don't understand what they can do.
OP posts:
Original poster
BellCurve · 18/01/2021 11:09

Worrying even, thanks autocorrect

OP posts:
bobbojobbo · 18/01/2021 11:09

The rules are all contradictory anyway! Most places open for click and collect are not essential e.g. the local party shop. So they can be open, but if I visit it is not essential (so breaking the rules) unless I walk maybe, so that it is exercise?

It's not contradictory at all. Just because somehting is allowed to open doesn't mean you are allowed to go there.

How is this so hard for people?

galaxy9 · 18/01/2021 11:15

I’m a wedding planner and there is no way I’d be doing show rounds at the moment. It doesn’t make the company look good and it’s extremely unprofessional- just an unnecessary mixing of people?

Swipe left for the next trending thread