McDonald's has confirmed that 800 of their restaurants across Britain will be staying open past the 10 pm curfew that comes into effect tonight. The fast-food franchise has managed to operate under a loophole in the new coronavirus rules so we can all continue to get out late night Macca's fix.
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Tonight new coronavirus restrictions come into place including a curfew that dictates all pubs and restaurants must close by 10 pm. However, McDonald's will still be able to operate as they have both drive-thru and delivery services. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a public announcement stating:
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 or drive-thru.
So, even if you can't enjoy your McNuggets after a wild night out, you sure can get them ordered to your door for a cosy night in.
From tomorrow, our opening hours and services may vary – for the latest information, contact-free ordering and payment, and exclusive offers, tap to download the My McDonald’s App
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) September 23, 2020
Many McDonald's stores will continue to stay open 24 hours a day while many others will have to shut. McDonald's UK and Ireland CEO Paul Pomroy confirmed:
With thanks to our delivery partners Uber Eats and Just Eat, more than 800 restaurants will also be offering McDelivery past 10pm.
However, Pomroy also mentioned that McDonald's will be keeping up with rates of infections in different areas as well as lockdown restrictions and may end up having to close some of their doors. Pomroy continued:
We will be guided by local and national government regulations.
Curfew set to damage the hospitality industry
Many hospitality professionals have dragged the new curfew measures with the group UKHospitality sating hat the future of the industry very much still hangs in the balance. UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls spoke out:
The additional restrictions announced this week place even further burdens on a sector that is operating with razor-thin margins and needs all the help it can get. It is vital that these restrictions are reviewed regularly. We need comprehensive financial support so that those businesses that survive the winter can begin to rebuild next year, starting with a package of measures to support short time working.
Nicholls continued to note what needs to be done to give the hospitality industry a leg-up in surviving the pandemic:
The VAT cut for hospitality must be extended through 2021, as must the business rates holiday. We also need the government to step in now and help to deal with the rent debt that has built up over months of enforced lockdown.
