Software provider to give away software to set up delivery service for hospitality outlets

Boutique Hotelier has announced that EPoS provider Access Hospitality is to provide its software to set up delivery and/or "click and collect" service for hospitality outlets.

Some hospitality businesses have been quick to adapt to a new delivery service and set up "dark kitchens" for their food and drink service after being ordered to close.

Legislation has been produced In England and Wales, in the form of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020 and The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (Wales) Regulations 2020. Both sets of regulations are in substance identical. The Regulations apply for six months from the day they came into force (ending 21 September 2020) but will be reviewed every 28 days.

The following businesses had to close with immediate effect for the sale of food and drink on the premises:

• Restaurants, including restaurants and dining rooms in hotels or members clubs.
• Cafes, including workplace canteens, but not including— (a) cafes or canteens at a hospital, care home or school; (b) canteens at a prison or an establishment intended for use for naval, military or air force purposes or for the purposes of the Department of the Secretary of State responsible for defence; (c) services providing food or drink to the homeless. 
• Bars, including bars in hotels or members’ clubs. 
• Public houses.

They must close all premises, or part of premises, in which food or drink are sold for consumption and halt any such sales. If food or drink is sold off-site then the premises can remain open, but no product can be sold for consumption on the premises. The government has announced that it will introduce a time-limited permitted development right allowing the temporary change of use of a pub (A4 - drinking establishment) and a restaurant (A3 – restaurants and cafes) to a hot-food take away for a period of up to 12 months only. 

Note that room service is not considered to be "for consumption on the premises" and is therefore permitted. Seating areas adjacent to the premises (for example outdoor seating) are considered to be part of the premises and are therefore prohibited.

UK Hospitality is providing a dedicated Coronavirus Hub to support hospitality businesses.