[ad_1]
A bar owner has attempted to circumvent the government’s Level 2 restrictions by serving a pint called “substantial food.”
The Caxton Arms in Brighton says it will offer “hearty, hearty and tasty” beer from its supplier, the “Made Up Brewery,” when it reopens on Thursday.
Landlord Brett Mendoza posted a photo of himself on social media with his new draft offer this week, claiming it gives customers a loophole from the area’s Level 2 restrictions.
COVID-19 updates live from the UK and around the world
In Brighton and other Tier 2 regions of England, customers may only drink alcohol in pubs and restaurants if accompanied by a ‘hearty meal’.
The term has caused confusion among business owners, with Minister George Eustice asserting Monday that a scotch egg “probably” would constitute a substantial meal.
He later appeared to be rebuffed by the prime minister’s official spokesman, who said “the bar snacks don’t count.”
Owner Brett Mendoza came up with the idea before the lockdown was lifted. Photo: Brett Mendoza
On Tuesday, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove suggested to Kay Burley that she could have a bottle of wine along with some garlic bread and a Scotch egg and stay within the rules.
He later told LBC that two Scotch eggs would count as an entree and therefore a substantial meal.
Mendoza, 40, described the Level 2 rules as “ridiculous” and told the Brighton Argus: “Nobody knows what a substantial meal is.
“There are only a couple of days until the period comes in now, and people still don’t know.
“So I printed this as a joke, attached it on top of one of our other beer pumps, and posted it on social media.”
The image has now been shared thousands of times.
A spokeswoman for the Cabinet Office did not comment specifically on the Mendoza case, but told Sky News in a statement: “Pubs and bars must close, unless they function as restaurants.
“Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with large meals.”
