Are Nottinghamshire Businesses Facing “Tier 4” COVID Restrictions?

From tomorrow, the entire county of Nottinghamshire will enter the highest tier of the Government’s COVID-19 alert system. However, the region’s million-plus residents will be faced with a set of restrictions that go beyond those implemented in other “tier three” areas like Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region. 

Although the Government has denied claims that Nottinghamshire is being placed into “tier three plus” or “tier four”, the fact remains that the Robin Hood county will be subjected to the tightest COVID-19 restrictions we’ve seen since the first national lockdown in March.

On top of the usual host of tier 3 restrictions - including the closure of bars and pubs not serving food - personal care businesses in Nottinghamshire will be forced to close for a period of at least 28 days. Sunbeds, nail parlours, beauty salons, and tattoo parlours will all be prohibited from opening under the rules, placing the county into a unique category.

Which businesses will be impacted?  

The full list of restrictions facing Nottingham are: 

• The closure of pubs and bars not serving food
• The closure of personal care businesses, including beauty salons and tattoo parlours
• Off-licence alcohol sales will be prohibited after 9 pm

While a raft of businesses will be significantly affected by the new rules, there is positive news for some in the hospitality and personal care sectors. In line with other Tier 3 regions, restaurants and cafes will be permitted to operate, and hairdressers and gyms will be allowed to open.

Why are the COVID restrictions in Nottinghamshire tougher? 

Nottinghamshire’s infection rates are among the highest in the country, and show no signs of slowing down. The weekly case rate stands at 364 people per 100,000 in Nottinghamshire county, and is 239 per 100,000 in those over 60, rising to 772 per 100,000 in those aged 17 to 21 years old. 

According to Jason Zadrozny, the leader of Ashfield Council, the addition of personal care businesses came at the request of Public Health England, leading to claims that Nottinghamshire has been placed in a new tier, dubbed “Tier 3 plus” or “Tier 4”.

If your business has been impacted by the new Tier 3 restrictions, please visit our suite of COVID-19 businesses resources.