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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Millie Reeves

No cash, no contact and no collections - all the new rules affecting takeaways including Dominos and Just Eat

In these times of disarray and uncertainty, nothing can bring us comfort quite like a takeaway on the weekend.

But with stricter rules on social distancing coming into play since the UK's lockdown this week, it can be hard to keep track on the dos and don'ts surrounding your favourite Saturday night treat.

Thankfully it's good news. While some favourites like McDonald's, KFC and Nando's have temporarily shut their doors, many takeaway options are still open and have adapted their operation to make it safer for everyone.

What does official guidance say?

Government advice states that takeaways and delivery facilities should "remain open and operational".

Adding: "Businesses are encouraged to take orders online or by telephone, and businesses should not provide seating areas, indoors and outdoors, for customers to consume food and drink on.

"Ordering in advance is strongly encouraged to avoid waiting in, as per Public Health England guidelines. Planning regulation has been changed to enable restaurants, cafés and pubs which do not currently offer delivery and hot food takeaway to do so.

"People must not consume food or drinks on site at restaurants, cafés or pubs whilst waiting for takeaway food.

"Those venues offering takeaway or delivery services must not include alcoholic beverages in this list if their license does not already permit."

What has changed?

One of the biggest differences you will notice when ordering your grub is the introduction of contactless deliveries, this means driver will drop off food without coming into contact with customers, instead leaving food in a safe place.

Pizza chain, Domino's, has also stopped collections, meaning you cannot visit a store. It has also stopped accepting cash as payment and is instead encouraging customers to pay by contactless card.

The pizza chain said: "Our colleagues are working hard to keep our pizzas flowing in communities around the UK, and we want to thank them for their efforts."

It has warned customers deliveries may take slightly longer than they usually do and asked for patience during the difficult time.

What is open?

While some of the big names like Subway and Burger King have shut for the time being, many businesses - particularly local and independent restaurants - are still delivering.

Using a delivery service app - such as Just Eat - is a good way to see what is available near you.

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