What is the rationale behind the tier 2 pub meal restrictions?

[BlackLambAndGreyFalcoln]

Genuine question. I understand that when restrictions first started to be placed on pubs (10pm curfew etc) it was because people were slipping with the social distancing after they'd had a few. But given that in tier 2 you can only go with your household anyway, it's table service only and you have to wear a mask when not seated at your table what difference does it make if people just have a few drinks or a 3 course meal? It makes it very difficult for pubs to trade outside of meal times. I'm struggling to see the rationale here.

It's because the government doesn't actually want people to go to pubs, but they also don't want to offer them any additional financial support. Keeping them 'open' but empty, or shut by the individual choice of the landlord because it's not viable to open (which was starting to happen around me during tier 2 restrictions - there just aren't that many people who want to go to the pub only with people they live with) is a great compromise for them, and a shit one for pubs.

I can’t argue with that assessment @Hardbackwriter.

It’s an endless source of frustration for me that this government is too chickenshit to risk their popularity by being clear.

So if a restaurant has outside seating you can go with up to 5 other people not from your household and eat outside in tier 2?

@Pahrump

So if a restaurant has outside seating you can go with up to 5 other people not from your household and eat outside in tier 2?

I can just about see people huddling around a heater with drinks, but who is going to want to eat a meal outside in December?!

Me, if I get to see my friends