Coronavirus: the lockdown laws

The UK has hundreds of laws made in response to the coronavirus pandemic.[1] Many of these laws could be described as ‘lockdown laws’. In this briefing the term ‘lockdown law’ refers to coronavirus restrictions relating to movement, gatherings and high street business operations.

What rules currently apply across the UK?

Different coronavirus restrictions are currently in place in all four UK nations. Official guidance on the restrictions applicable can be found on government websites:

• England: (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
• Scotland: Coronavirus (COVID-19): local protection levels
• Wales: Alert level 4
• Northern Ireland: Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance: what the restrictions mean for you

Types of lockdown law

Lockdown laws have imposed many different coronavirus restrictions. Different rules apply in each UK nation. Specific restrictions for certain local areas have also been used.

Lockdown laws can be categorised into three types of restriction: gatherings, movement and business restrictions, within which an array of specific restrictions might be imposed.

Gatherings restrictions

• An almost total ban on social gatherings has been imposed during full national lockdowns.
• Household mixing rules have been imposed to prevent people who do not live together from meeting. Sometimes these rules specify places (usually indoor spaces) where people cannot meet.
• Versions of a rule of six have prevented gatherings larger than six people. Some exemptions to these rules allowed larger gatherings for specific purposes.
• Various other rules have been in place which allow only for small gatherings. Sometimes the size of the gathering permitted is defined by a specific number of households.
• Specific rules have been made to further discourage large gatherings and illegal raves. Those enforcing lockdown laws can issue higher penalties to those who break these rules. During summer 2020 England’s national gatherings restriction was a “large gathering rule”. The penalty for breaking this rule was the same as the “small gatherings rule” it replaced.

Movement restrictions

• During full national lockdowns leaving home without a “reasonable excuse” has been prohibited.
• Laws have prevented people from travelling outside their local area.
• Laws have also prohibited travel between specified areas (often to/from areas with different restrictions in place) including a ban on leaving the UK which is currently in force in England.

Business restrictions

• Certain businesses have been required to close during the pandemic.
• Hospitality businesses have also been required to operate restricted opening hours.
• Some rules restrict the sale of alcohol.