Drinkers visiting pubs in Hampshire and Southampton will have to leave the premises once they have finished their food, the Government has said.

Under the new post-lockdown guidance, pubs in Tier 2 areas can only stay open if they can function as a restaurant and alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman, asked how long drinkers can stay in the pub after purchasing a substantial meal, said: “We’ve been clear that, in Tier 2 I believe, that you need to have a substantial meal if ordering any alcohol and it remains the case that the guidance says that once the meal is finished, it is at that point.”

On Thursday it was announced that the region will be moved from Tier 1: Medium Alert, to Tier 2: High Alert when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday.