Notts cafe owners have been left in a state of confusion after the government curveball which included them in Tier 3 restrictions.
In other parts of the country, including Manchester, the 'very high alert' criteria only referred to restaurants and pubs where alcohol could only be served with a substantial meal.
But the rules published last night for Nottinghamshire included cafes. The guidelines stated, that from midnight on Friday October 30 "all hospitality venues - cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs (whether or not they serve alcohol) - can remain open to offer substantial meals, or must move to operate a delivery and takeaway service only."
The rules for Nottinghamshire state; "People will not be able to sit in a cafe or restaurant to drink coffee or eat a snack".
The statement has left cafe owners bewildered.
Rob Darby, co-founder of 200 Degrees Coffee Shops, had seen the national rules and believed the two cafes in Flying Horse Walk and Carrington Street could open for customers to sit in - but after reading the localised measures he said: "We need urgent clarification of these rules. This comes into force in less that 24 hours and another ‘local’ change to the rules is made. Infuriating.
Uncertainly reigns over what constitutes a "substantial" meal.
Mr Darby said: "I read things like sausage roll - no, sausage roll with salad - yes."
Wendy Baird, who runs Carriages in Newark, was no clearer after speaking to a council official.
"It's just so badly written. Why throw cafes into the mix? It's ridiculous. There is supposed to be statement later today but I fear it's just the same as I've seen already.
"Nobody knows. Cafes are interpreting it differently and think if they have a substantial menu people can just come in for a coffee. I read it that someone has to be eating a substantial meal to be able to serve them. Where is the clarity?"
"What is the difference between having a coffee or a big meal? It's the same area and they come from the same kitchen.
"And what's a substantial meal? Do I put an extra potato on the plate or an extra sausage in a cob? There is no reason cafes should be in there.
"We have rolling stock and I went to the cash and carry the other day so potentially that could sit there."
Miss Baird, who opened the railway platform cafe serving the community in 2017 after a £500,000 makeover, fears whatever definition emerges, it could be too late.
"The killer is the damage is already done. The public will interpret it that we can't serve them. People are scared anyway and then they throw this bomb in the water.
"If I don't know as a cafe owner, how can I expect my customer to know? I'm strong but on the edge."
A number of Notts bars and pubs will be closed for 28 days because they can't meet the regulations.
Nottinghamshire Live has contacted the Department for Health and Social Care, which published the rules, and is awaiting a response.
