Fast food outlets did not have to close and can 'learns lessons' from supermarkets about social distancing as they reopen, George Eustice said today.
The Environment Secretary said fast food outlets like McDonald's and KFC did not have to close their drive-thru or takeaway facilities as part of the coronavirus lockdown.
But he said many of the outlets closed due to reduced footfall in town centres, staff anxiety and a sense of what was 'socially acceptable' given the strong stay-at-home message.
Mr Eustice said as food-to-go businesses look to reopen again, they can 'learn a lot' from supermarkets and how they implemented social distancing measures.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing on Friday (May 8), he said: "I have had a number of discussions with some of the food-to-go outlets such as McDonald's and KFC and Costa Coffee.
"It is the case that when we originally did the lockdown we were quite explicitly that it didn't cover takeaway food.
"Although pubs and restaurants had to close, we were quite keen to keep that capacity to be able to do takeaway food for people and that was clear in the guidance."
He there were a 'number of reasons' why these outlets might have closed for some time but that it is now possible for these venues to 'reopen and reopen and safely'.
"We never mandated that they should close", Mr Eustice said.
“We have learned a lot from supermarkets and other food outlets about how you can do social distancing and do it well.
“I think some of those food-to-go businesses will probably be seeking to learn lessons from what supermarkets have done as they consider tentatively reopening.”
On Monday, KFC confirmed over 100 of its UK branches have now reopened for drive-thru and deliveries.
However, KFC is urging people not to use drive-thrus over bank holiday weekend and if they can, instead, use a delivery option.
Pret-A-Manger also announced its plans to reopen more stores earlier this week.
The chain has already been able to reopen 30 stores after being forced to close at the start of lockdown in March, but a further 71 shops will follow from May 11 for delivery and takeaway.
McDonald's will open 15 branches on May 13 for delivery-only and working on a limited menu.
