Pub goers can play pool and darts

By Emily Hawkins

- Last updated on GMT

Game on: pub customers can play pool and darts but the business must factor this into their risk assessment (image: Getty/Steevy84)
Game on: pub customers can play pool and darts but the business must factor this into their risk assessment (image: Getty/Steevy84)

Related tags England Pubs Darts Pool Coronavirus Legislation Health and safety beis

Customers returning to the pub this week will be allowed to play indoor games such as pool and darts, as per Government Covid-19 guidance for businesses.

Pub goers who want to play a game of darts or pool must not be eating or drinking at the same time, The Morning Advertiser (MA)​ understands.

Pubs can serve groups of up to six people or larger groups of up to two households indoors, as of Monday 17 May.

Licensees who wish to permit their customers to play indoor games must, however, carry out a risk assessment first.

Guidance published by the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for hospitality businesses states venues must put measures in place to reduce coronavirus transmission risk.

Frequent cleaning

Pool sticks and darts should be cleaned between customer uses, the guidance also implies.

"Put in place cleaning procedures for the parts of shared equipment people touch after each use," one of the measures outlined in the guidance for venues states.

Another section says that objects and surfaces that are touched regularly must be frequently cleaned.

"Clean surfaces and objects between each customer use. For example, clean tables, card machines, chairs, trays and laminated menus in view of customers before customer use," the guidance says.

For pubs reopening for indoor trade this week, table service is mandated so customers must order, be served, eat and drink while seated.

When not seated to eat or drink, customers must wear face coverings - suggesting they must wear them when playing indoor games at the pub too.

BEIS clarified pub customers wishing to play games at the pub should wear a face covering while doing so. 

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