Tier two areas are under the second harshest lockdown restrictions in England.
The ‘high alert’ classification brings stricter rules on social gatherings.
London and seven other regions were moved to tier two over the weekend, after 12 of the capital’s boroughs reported infection rates of over 100 in 100,000.
Many are wondering what fines they could face if they flout the new lockdown rules.
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What are the tier 2 rules?
As well as the national baseline tier one rules, such as a 10pm curfew and face coverings in public spaces, tier two sees additional bans on indoor social gatherings.
Those living in tier two areas are not allowed to meet up with people from other households indoors, including in private homes and public hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants.
You are still allowed to meet with your support bubble, and childcare bubbles can continue.
What are the fines for breaking tier 2 rules?
If you are caught meeting up with people from outside your household or support bubble, you could be handed a £100 fine under UK law.
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The fine for each subsequent offence would double up to a maximum of £6,400.
Those found to be holding a gathering of more than 30 people against the rules will be fined £10,000, as is the case across the country.
Additionally, Gov.uk states: ‘Businesses and venues that fail to comply with these restrictions may face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution, or in some cases closure.’
The rules are enforced by ‘Covid marshalls’ and police officers, who patrol parks, shops, train stations, and public hospitality venues to ensure that the rules are being followed.
They can hand out on the spot fines, and also disperse groups that are breaking the rules.
If you spot others breaking the rules, then the government encourages you to report it to the police.
It’s not known how many fines are being handed out and how many are actually being paid.
‘At least 100’ attended a street party in Yorkshire last week that was broken up by the police, but no one was fined.
On September 30, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) revealed that half of coronavirus fines do not get paid in England and Wales.
By September 22, 18,646 fines had been issued but 9,413 had not been paid.
Those who have not paid their fines may be considered for prosecution, but information on whether people have been prosecuted has not been revealed.
What areas are in tier 2?
The areas in tier two include most of the north-east, West Yorkshire, Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, London, most of Essex, York, north-east Derbyshire, Erewash, Chesterfield, Barrow-in-Furness and Elmbridge.
The alert level is reviewed every 14 days and the rules and regulations are reviewed every 28 days.
You can check the tier of your area using the Government’s postcode checker.
MORE: Showdown at high noon: Manchester told ‘you must accept lockdown by 12pm’
MORE: Three more UK cities on brink of Tier 3 lockdown
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