Fingers are crossed in Brigg ahead of Wednesday (December 16) when the government is due to carry out a fortnightly review of its new tier system for Coronavirus emergency restrictions. This will relate to the number of cases reported recently.
North Lincolnshire is currently in the toughest category (Tier 3) which means that pubs can't serve visiting drinkers and eateries are not permitted to admit customers for sit-down meals.
If the government re-grades North Lincs into Tier 2 there should be an opportunity for licensed premises (pubs and restaurants) to serve alcoholic drinks to those who are eating 'substantial meals.'
However, not all Brigg bars provide food. Those that can do so on the premises include the Britannia, the White Horse (Wetherspoon's), the Lord Nelson, the Woolpack and the Black Bull (all pictured above).
The Dying Gladiator has had a mobile caterer providing meals in its beer garden for some time - the menu including items much more substantial than the nationally controversial Scotch egg**.
Even if North Lincolnshire is placed in Tier 2, the licensees/owners will have to decide whether it's worth their while to reopen on this basis.
Restaurants can open in Tier 2 but must be 'Covid-19 secure' - and there's a limit on the size of groups attending.
Eateries in Tier 2 and Tier 3.are permitted to provide takeaways for home consumption.
** A Scotch egg is one yardstick being used nationally for 'a substantial meal' so food like pizzas, kebabs and even bacon butties that have been served on Brigg licensed premises in the past would appear to meet, or exceed, that standard.
PICTURED BELOW: The Mumbai Lounge licensed restaurant on Olds Courts Road, Brigg.
