NEW rules put into place across the borough yesterday afternoon banned some businesses from opening past 10pm.

A "concerning rise" in coronavirus infections across Bolton sparked stricter measures to stop the spread of covid-19 in the town.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the new rules to the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, making all pubs, restaurants, and cafes takeaway only.

Speaking about the rise, he said: "Unfortunately after improving for several weeks, we’ve seen a very significant rise in cases in Bolton. Bolton is up to 120 cases per 100,000 of population, the highest case rate in the country and I’m publishing the data behind the decisions that we’ve taken.

“I must therefore tell that House that, working with the local council, we’re taking further local action. The rise in cases in Bolton is partly due to socialising by people in their 20s and 30s, we know this from contact tracing.

“And through our contacting tracing system we’ve identified a number of pubs at which the virus has spread significantly."

A curfew on businesses opening between the hours of 10pm and 5am was also announced, and the restrictions on meeting other households introduced on Saturday will be put into law.

Now, Bolton Council have revealed which firms are exempt from the new rules, and can stay open past the 10pm closing time.

Car parks, public toilets, and petrol stations will be allowed to remain open, along with these businesses:

  • Food retailers, such as markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
  • Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).
  • Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
  • Newsagents.
  • Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores.
  • Petrol stations.
  • Car repair and MOT services.
  • Bicycle shops.
  • Taxi or vehicle hire businesses.
  • Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers and cash points.
  • Post offices.
  • Funeral directors.
  • Laundrettes and dry cleaners.
  • Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health.
  • Vets and pet shops.
  • Agricultural supplies shop.
  • Car parks.
  • Public toilets.
  • Storage and distribution facilities, such as delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business outlined above

Have you been affected by the changes? Email kit.vickery@nqnw.co.uk