Businesses

We are urging businesses to find out more about the latest guidance and regulations related to COVID-19.

Read the latest COVID-19 guidance (from GOV.UK)

Covid-19 Business Support Grants

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG)

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme is now closed and no further applications can be made.

Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)

The Additional Restrictions Grant scheme is now closed and no further applications can be made. Decisions will be communicated and all payments made by Thursday 31 March 2022.

COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF)

The COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund is now closed and no further applications can be made.

Posters - mask reminder

We have provided a free downloadable poster to remind people to wear face coverings in shops and other premises.

NHS QR codes

These venues:

  • Venues within the hospitality, tourism and leisure industries
  • Close contact services
  • Community centres
  • Village halls

must now request that every individual scan the NHS QR code or provide their contact details upon arrival. Every individual must do this - not just the lead member of the group.

This is to make sure that every person can receive timely public health advice, should they be/potentially be exposed to COVID-19.

You should make sure that all your staff have been notified of this change. All staff should understand that will have to ask all people entering the venue to scan the NHS code, or provide their contact details. Exemptions include children under the age of 16, and people entering the venue for drop-off/takeaway only.

Before reopening your venue, you must make sure that you understand your obligations:

  • Display an official NHS QR code poster
  • Request that all customers and visitors scan the NHS QR code or provide their contact details
  • Keep a record of all staff (including shift times)
  • Provide an alternative method to collect contact details (which doesn't require ownership of a smartphone)
  • Keep information securely for 21 days before destroying it, and provide it to NHS Test & Trace if requested
  • Hospitality venues only: Take reasonable steps to refuse entry to those who refuse to participate with customer/visitor obligations. This means you must - to the best of your ability - comply with the requirement to refuse entry. You should feel that you have done all that could be reasonably expected of you.

Read further guidance about the NHS Test & Trace requirements

Venue alerts process: guide for businesses

Venue check in regulations: fact sheet (simplified)

Venue check in regulations: fact sheet

Venue check in benefits: poster

Further resources