From Monday 12th April, the next stage (‘Step 2’) of the lessening of restrictions in England relating to the COVID-19 will apply.
This does not lead to any substantial changes to our Play Safe Guidelines but we have made some minor changes.
Hospitality venues
The first, and most important issue for our clubs to consider concerns hospitality venues which host pétanque facilities. Our National President has been seeking clarity for some time on the status of these venues (pubs in particular) as the ‘Step 2’ Guidelines state that customers using pubs must be seated outside. We have approached Sport England to ask them whether separate, risk assessed pétanque activities are allowed to take place and we are awaiting the result of their discussions with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Children’s playgrounds or play equipment is permitted to be used at pub venues, so we have advanced the case that organised and risk assessed pétanque should also be permitted.
We hope to receive a response from DCMS via Sport England next week and will update as soon as we can.
Travel to play
A review of our Play safe Guidelines indicated that we needed to emphasise to our members that under Government Guidance, car sharing to travel to any sporting activities is not permitted with someone from outside your household or your support bubble.
It is brilliant to see our sport back and our members and clubs operational again. Play safe and enjoy!
4 comments
Peter Chambers
10th April 2021 at 6:42 pm
The latest Play Safe Guidelines document has 2 sections called 2.4 ???
Martin Hughes
12th April 2021 at 4:47 pm
Thanks for spotting that Peter. We have amended.
Mike Nash
12th April 2021 at 4:44 pm
We have our first Duke of Wellington Petanque Club meet under Stage 2 of the Roadmap confirmed for this evening (12 April) after our pub landlord, on whose land our club is situated, gained clarity from the local council environmental and licensing officers. We can continue to play under the PE Guidelines but petanque players (our club members and visitors) are not allowed to take food or drink, apart from water, into the club area. Food and drink must be consumed whilst seated in the pub garden.
Martin Hughes
12th April 2021 at 4:46 pm
Hi Mike, thanks for letting us know. I will pass on to members of the PE Board and our National President.