Scotch eggs have apparently been added to the list of substantial meals with which alcohol can be purchased at pubs and restaurants in areas under tier-two restrictions.
Environment Secretary George Eustice told LBC Radio that: “a Scotch egg probably would count as a substantial meal if there were table service.
“Often that might be as a starter but yes I think it would, but this is a term that’s understood in licensing… you can have the concept of a table licence for alcohol that also requires you to serve a substantial meal.
Mr Eustice added that the “substantial meal” provision in tier two was “understood very much by the restaurant trade”, as the law already exists giving the ability for pubs to serve 16 and 17 year olds with alcohol if they order a substantial meal.
An official spokesman for the Prime Minister had said Downing Street has not ruled out tier two drinkers being able to order a Scotch egg, but would also not set out the difference between a snack and a meal.
The spokesman said: “I’m obviously not going to get into the detail of every possible meal.
“But we’ve been clear: bar snacks do not count as a substantial meal but it’s well established practice in the hospitality industry what does.”
