Falmouth, Penryn and the whole of Cornwall have been placed into Tier 1 today, Thursday.

Cornwall is only one of only three areas in the country to be placed in tier 1, announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Falmouth is well known for the quality of its restaurants, bars, pubs and hospitality that has suffered great hardship since the start of the pandemic.

So what does Tier 1 mean for the venues in our town?

Restaurants, pubs, cafés and other hospitality venues can be open. However, they must close by 11pm, with last orders at 10pm.

Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.

Orders must be made via phone or online. Hospitality venues in ports, on transport services and in motorway service areas do not need to close at 10pm, but must not serve alcohol after that time.

Restaurants and pubs must offer table service only and enforce the rule of six on mingling indoors and outdoors.

Customers are also required to wear face masks when not seated at their table. For example, when being seated or visiting the bathroom.

After another month of being forced to shut this will come as a welcome relief.

You can see people from different households both indoors and outdoors, but only in groups of up to 6 people.

However, you should maintain social distancing from anyone not in your household or support bubble.

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