This may come as a shock to some of you, but this Government cannot even regulate competently, let alone with any respect for liberty. Yesterday I was in a branch of Caffe Nero, and overheard someone who appeared to be from head office discussing with the staff what they would have to do under the rules coming in today (24 September).

The head office woman appeared to be experimenting with a modified app which would allow her to sit down, place her order on her phone, and have it brought to her. It was not working perfectly - unsurprising when there had only been a couple of days to develop it. They were also at a loss to know what QR codes would be needed where (one at the door, one on each table, or what).

Sometime overnight (allegedly yesterday, but if so very late) the regulations were produced: 2020 number 1029, amending number 684 and coming into force at 0500 today. After all the fuss and the confusing messages from ministers, it turns out that the requirement to take orders at table, rather than at a counter, applies only if the business serves alcohol (to anyone, not just to the particular customer). So cafes can relax and regard their frantic work over the past two days as wasted. However, this is for England generally: the position may be different in areas subject to special measures or in other parts of the UK.