There appears be increasing public debate and confusion surfacing this week as to whether takeaway coffee services can be considered “essential” under national lockdown guidelines.
And it seems like Downing Street doesn’t quite know either.
The ongoing conversation comes amid calls to end “non-essential” takeaway services following claims that allowing such sales is encouraging the level of household mixing that is not permitted under the government guidelines in place for England’s third national lockdown.
Experts and government ministers have been asked a number of times whether people are allowed to leave their home solely for a takeaway coffee and whether they can then drink coffee while out with a friend.
Further queries also then arise around whether people can sit in on bench to drink a coffee while out.
Steve Brine – former Conservative Health Minister – was among the first to spark national interest on BBC Newsnight yesterday evening, where he called for an end to non-essential takeaway sales, including coffee, stating: “There are so many things that we are doing, which are allowed in the rules… but I just don’t think they are wise right now.”
But Downing Street drew criticism earlier yesterday after the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson was unable to confirm if a single person could sit down on a bench under the restrictions, and when pressed whether people can consume takeaway drinks public, he said that “takeaways are allowed, or restaurants or cafes are allowed to provide takeaways”, but “people are allowed to leave their homes if it’s for exercise, not socialising”.
The spokesperson reiterated: “We have set out clearly the rules”
And now today, Kit Malthouse – Minister of State for Crime and Policing – made a number of televised media appearances, and addressed the situation head on by listing the scenarios in which buying a takeaway coffee would be allowed.
Mr Malthouse said people need to use their “common sense” when following lockdown rules.
Is leaving the house for a coffee legitimate?
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse says coffees are becoming a ‘scotch egg moment’ as he says the govt is relying on people's ‘common sense’ of what they think is appropriate. @Piersmorgan | @susannareid100pic.twitter.com/dSwAH2xQEs
He told Good Morning Britain that: “If you’re getting coffee on your way to do exercise, or as part of your acquiring food, or one of those reasons you’re allowed to be out of the house, then that is legitimate [but] this is one of those ‘Scotch egg’ moments, where it’s very hard for us legislators to legislate for every single nuance of human behaviour.
“What we are relying on is people having a common sense of themselves of what they think is appropriate.”
Downing Street has clarified today that sitting on a park bench for a “short pause” during exercise is reasonable, but leaving the home just to sit in public is unlawful under lockdown regulations.
The takeaway coffee debate comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock addressed the public in a Downing Street press conference yesterday, reinforcing that: “The NHS, more than ever before, needs everybody to be doing something right now – and that something is to follow the rules.
“I know there has been speculation about more restrictions, and we don’t rule out taking further action if it is needed, but it is your actions now that can make a difference.
“Stay at home, and please reduce all social contact that is not absolutely strictly necessary.
“That’s what is needed – act like you have the virus.”
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Manchester Storm ban supporter and condemn discriminatory behaviour after online comments
Danny Jones
Ice hockey side Manchester Storm have come out to vocally condemn any and all forms of discrimination following recent concerns raised online and, more importantly, putting words into action after issuing a stadium ban to a match-going fan.
Writing a lengthy, passionate and defiant post on Wednesday, 6 August, Manchester Storm informed supporters that they had been made aware of multiple “derogatory and discriminatory comments” earlier this week.
The remarks in question were made across various social media platforms, as well as fan forums over the past few days, but thankfully were quickly identified and removed by admins.
Nevertheless, Storm recognised the importance of cracking down on this kind of behaviour as swiftly and firmly as possible, penning this pitch-perfect reply in terms of tone and practical action.
The official statement reads: “These comments are deeply concerning and go against everything our club stands for. Let us be absolutely clear: racism, homophobia, and any form of discriminatory or hateful behaviour will not be tolerated – online or at the [Planet Ice] Arena.
“We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive club that welcomes players, staff, and fans from all backgrounds. Anyone found engaging in racist, homophobic, or otherwise abusive behaviour will be banned and will not be permitted entry to The [Storm] Shelter.”
Storm also went on to detail that the individual in question regarding multiple related incidents has not only been issued with a ban, but that their season ticket has been revoked and will be denied all entry to their home ground in Altrincham.
They also assured that the matter has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, adding that the club “will continue to cooperate fully with their investigations” and”will not hesitate to pursue further legal action where necessary.
Proud to see such quick and decisive action from the local sporting organisation, which should help serve as a real deterrent for similar potential trouble in the future.
The response from the right-minded fans in the comments was great to see as well.
Regardless of the offensive remarks made on the forum, most Manchester Storm supporters welcome the statement fan ban. (Credit: IG)
One user on X wrote: “The storm is for everyone; we don’t need these people anywhere near the Storm Shelter. Thank you for acting so quickly.” Another on Instagram added, “Absolutely, hockey is for everyone, correct and firm stance/action. Well done, from a Belfast Giants fan.”
The club signed off by saying: “Manchester Storm remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Hate has no place in hockey – or anywhere else.
“We thank our community for standing with us in upholding these values.
Manchester dessert and sandwich stars Gooey are set to open another city centre site
Danny Jones
0161’s world-famous dessert stars, Gooey, are set to open another city centre site – their third in Greater Manchester and soon-to-be fifth overall.
Known for their incredible cookies, doughnuts, brunch, legendary French toast and plenty more, Gooey made their first foray out of their hometown with a Liverpool location last year, and are now set to consolidate their Manc base even further.
Set to open in a prime piece of real estate, the latest Manchester Gooey store will be opening in a sizeable empty unit over on Circle Square, right next to the Asda Express and in the heart of the student living and leisure complex.
Benefitting from being easily seen from along the bustling Oxford Road Corridor, you can expect this place to be packed to the rafters from the off on day one.
The signs are already in the window.That unreal French toast dripping in syrup.Credit: The Manc Eats
There are few details on what the new arrival might have in-store beyond all the brand favourites at this early stage, but each Gooey store shop does have its own charm.
From their original bakery and cafe over in the Northern Quarter, to the three kiosks in Ducie Street Warehouse, The Trafford Centre Selfridges and over on Merseyside’s iconic Bold Street, they all offer something a little different.
As for any hints at the launch plans, fans are yet to be given an official opening date, but you best believe you’ll be the first to know the second we do.
In case you’ve never tried or even come across the indulgent and fast-growing independent business before, another popular part of their menu is the bits between bread.
Touching on the upcoming addition, Charlotte Wild, Head of Retail & Leisure at Bruntwood SciTech – the team behind Circle Square’s ever-expanding offerings – said: “Gooey is an incredible local brand who are continuing to grow, evolve and innovate, with ever more exciting desserts.
“They will make a fantastic addition to the Circle Square community, and we look forward to seeing the impact they make in the coming months.”
In case you wonder how much we love this place and just how excited you should be about another one landing here in the city centre, sometimes we just put together random appreciation posts for that one, aforementioned butty alone.
Local foodies will also be buzzing to hear that they’re not the only calorific cult favourites that are bringing more to our mouths in 2025.
First, it was Brewski, followed by American Pies; then it was Foldies, and now the beloved culinary brand is launching yet another new concept here in Manchester.