Weymouth shops urge customers to return to the high street
Have you been shopping or eaten out in Weymouth yet?
Last updated 19th Apr 2021
As COVID-19 restrictions ease and many local businesses reopen, residents are encouraged to support Weymouth’s independent shops, hospitality venues and other local businesses.
Following confirmation from the Prime Minister that the country can move to Step 2 of the roadmap, certain non-essential shops, businesses and services can now reopen.
It includes: personal care premises, such as hairdressers; indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and outdoor attractions, such as theme parks. Hospitality venues are now allowed to welcome customers in outdoor areas, with table service only.
Weymouth Town Council, Weymouth Area Development Trust (WADT) and We Are Weymouth are joining forces to support local businesses and residents’ safe return to the high street.
The organisations are also encouraging local businesses to sign up to We’re Good To Go, a scheme which aims to support businesses in reopening and welcoming back customers safely.
Chris Wilson, Chief Executive of WADT and spokesperson for Totally Locally Weymouth said:
“We know many local businesses have been working extremely hard to get themselves ready to reopen and are excited to welcome back their customers.”
“We’ve seen our community pull together over the last year to achieve some amazing things and to support each other. We feel confident that we can come together to make reopening safe, successful and a real boost for the town.”
Dawn Rondeau, Chief Executive for We are Weymouth commented:
“We are lucky to have such a fantastic range of local, independent businesses in our town and we know this is a draw for visitors to the area too. It’s what separates us from other UK destinations, so it’s important we all try hard to keep what we have and support our local businesses.”
“Local people were incredibly supportive and excited to get back to their favourite shops and venues when the restrictions were eased last year, so we hope for more of the same as it becomes safe to do so.”
How many people can I meet outside?
The "rule of six" means that six people from different households can meet up outside. More people can meet outside if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
Can I have people in my garden?
Yes, you can have people in your garden because both the rule of six and the two household rule apply to private outdoor spaces, including gardens.
Can I use my friend's toilet?
Yes, if necessary, you can enter someone's house to use the bathroom. However in these instances, you should wear a face covering, maintain social distancing from anyone not in your bubble, wash your hands thoroughly and immediately return outside when you are finished.
Can I get my hair cut by a hairdresser at home?
Yes, mobile hairdressers were allowed to resume work alongside other personal care premises from 12th April, meaning you can get your hair professionally cut at home.
How many people can I meet in a beer garden?
Groups of six people from different households can gather in beer gardens or the outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants. Restaurants and pubs must serve people outdoors via table service.
Can I go to weddings?
It depends on the number of guests. Weddings and commemorative events, including wakes, can go ahead with 15 guests. Wedding receptions are also permitted to have 15 guests as long as they take place outdoors. Meanwhile, 30 people can attend funerals.
Can I go clothes shopping?
Non-essential retail is allowed to resume meaning many stores, including clothes shops, are once again welcoming customers.
Can I take my child to a parent-child group indoors?
Yes, parent-children groups are now allowed to take place indoors with up to 15 adults, as children under 5 do not count towards this 15 attendee maximum.
Are children included in the rule of six?
Yes, children of all ages are included in the rule of six. However, if only two households are meeting up, there is no limit on the number of people. For example, six adults and four children from three different households cannot meet up, but the same number from only two households would be permitted.
Can we go inside if the weather's bad?
Unfortunately even if the weather turns you still cannot socialise inside with people who are not in your bubble. Indoor household mixing is expected to be reintroduced from 17th May if all goes to plan with the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Can I stay away overnight?
It depends. On 12th April, self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households. You can therefore stay in a caravan or in self-contained holiday lets with your household or bubble. However, you cannot go away with anyone out with your household or bubble, or stay at someone's house who is not in your bubble.
A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council added:
“Despite huge efforts and the resourcefulness shown by many businesses over the last year, there’s no denying the pandemic has hit them hard. Businesses are really relying on the support of the community.”
“We’re a Purple Flag accredited town, which recognises Weymouth as a welcoming, safe place for everyone, with a broad appeal and mix of venues to choose from. The award itself is credit to our local organisations’ ability to work collaboratively in the common interest of the town, which is needed now more than ever.”