Dominic Raab caused confusion today after suggesting customers would no longer be able to queue to place an order at fast food outlets like McDonald's.
The UK Foreign Secretary comments followed a change in lockdown rules across each of the four UK nations yesterday.
Boris Johnson said all licensed premises in England must introduce table service but this does not apply to takeaways.
Asked on BBC Radio 4 on whether customers could walk in to businesses such as McDonalds, make an order then sit down at a table, Raab said: 'My understanding is that you need to be able to order from the tables.'
Former BBC political editor Nick Robinson later tweeted that the Tory minister had misunderstood the government's advice and restaurants would still be allowed to order in a queue.
He tweeted: 'So, I'm told the requirement for table service applies to licensed premises only. McDonalds, Pret and many fast food outlets with eat-in areas will not be required to provide table service. However, those who choose to eat in will need to do so seated at a table.'
Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that all pubs and restaurants would have close by 10pm each day as of Friday, in a further blow to the hospitality industry.
