All pubs, bars and restaurants in England have a 10pm closing time from Thursday

The government have announced that, from this Thursday (24 September), all pubs and restaurants in England will have a 10pm curfew. That means a restaurant or pub has to be shut by 10pm - not just calling last orders. 

There had been talk brewing about a potential London curfew all day, but the confirmation only came right at the end of the day - almost 48 hours exactly before the curfew actually begins and, cunningly too late for the evening news bulletins. What we perhaps weren't expecting was that the 10pm closing time would be enforced across the country. 

In addition, table service will become the law (similar to what's currently running in Ireland). This is already something that's pretty much in place across most restaurants and many pubs  - today's news is just making it a legal obligation. 

The rules are to be discussed in parliament tomorrow (Tuesday), with another broadcast by Boris at 8pm the same day. 

Obviously this is not great news at all for an industry that is already struggling - and the response on Twitter has not been kind, particularly given the blanket, sledgehammer approach. 

Although maybe there are some positives to be gained from this...

Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners