Do hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets have to close in Tier 3?
HOTELS and B&Bs in Tier Three areas must close under current coronavirus restrictions, with a few exceptions.
The nation is now divided into a three-tier system with regions classed as either medium, high or very high risk and new areas have been put into Tier Three because of rising cases.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
The tier system has been in place since lockdown lifted in England on December 2.
Areas under Tier Three restrictions – which are deemed “very high risk” – face the toughest lockdown measures.
Tier Two areas are classed as “high” risk, while Tier One places are “medium” risk.
Greater London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire are being put into Tier Three because coronavirus cases are spiking in these areas.
Health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the move into new tiers which will come into force from 12.01am Wednesday.
The full list of places going into Tier three from Wednesday are:
- Greater London
- Basildon
- Brentwood
- Harlow
- Epping Forest
- Castle Point
- Rochford
- Braintree & Chelmsford
- Thurrock and South End on Sea Borough councils
- Broxbourne
- Heartsmere
- Watford and the three river local authority
Businesses that break the rules in their area can face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution or closure.
Can hotels open in Tier 3?
Hotels in Tier Three areas must close under the current rules.
There are some exceptions and they can open for people in some circumstances, such as if you need to stay somewhere for work or if you need to attend a funeral.
People in Tier Three are not allowed to travel to other areas that are in lower tiers.
So if you live in Tier Three, you can’t travel to a hotel that is open in Tier Two or One and stay the night.
Exceptions to hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets closing
Hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets are closing but they can open for a person who:
- is unable to return to their main residence
- uses it as their main residence
- needs it while moving house
- needs it to attend a funeral, linked commemorative event or following a bereavement of a close family member or friend
- is isolating themselves from others as required by law
- is an elite athlete (or their coach) and needs it for training or competition
- needs it for work purposes, or to provide voluntary or charitable service
- was staying there immediately before the area entered Tier 3
- needs it to attend education or training
- is a carer for someone they live with and is seeking respite
- needs to attend a medical appointment or treatment
They can also open:
- to enable voting, including an overseas election
- as a women’s refuge or a vulnerable person’s refuge
- for any purpose requested by the Secretary of State, or a local authority
Businesses that remain open in law, but are located within accommodation, such as a spa within a hotel, can remain open.
Can B&Bs open in Tier 3?
B&Bs in Tier Three must also close under the rules.
The same exceptions that apply for hotels apply to B&Bs too.
People in Tier Three should only travel when essential, so if you live in Tier Three, you can’t travel to a B&B that is open in Tier Two or One and stay over.
Can holiday lets open in Tier 3?
Again, holiday lets in Tier Three must close under the rules.
The same exceptions that apply for hotels and B&Bs apply to holiday lets too.
And people in Tier Three should only travel when essential, so you can’t visit a holiday let that is open in Tier Two or One.
Can I get a refund for a hotel, B&B or holiday let in Tier 3?
It will be up to the hotel or accommodation that you booked with and their cancellation policy.
You need to contact them or the website you booked through to discuss your options.
For example, Britannia hotels is offering customers the chance to reorganise their stay – but they won’t be offering refunds.
Some hotels are considering refunds on a case-by-case basis.
Most read in Money
What happens to shops, hairdressers and gyms in Tier 3? Here’s what’s open and closed explained.
Here is a full list of businesses that must close in very high alert areas due to new covid rules.
The Sun has a full list of all the Tier One, Tier Two and Tier Three areas in England.