COMMENT: Government serves up an Eton Mess in Sunderland!

That measures need to be taken to lower the rate of infections is not in question, but if it’s clarity you require well that just isn’t on the menu. A situation that hard-pressed bar and restaurant owners in the city know only too well.

As we reveal today, they are struggling to come to terms with Matt Hancock’s latest announcement making it illegal for households to mix indoors in any setting. Even Boris Johnson is struggling, with his ‘misspeaking’ of the rules.

If he can’t articulate the rules, who can?

The latest lockdown has seen some venues throwing in the towel. Ttonic, The Point and Glitterball, have chosen to temporarily close because they say the new restrictions are too difficult to enforce. Others hope Sunderland diners and drinkers will help them to abide by the measures.

As Federico Trulli, of Angelo’s Ristorante in Sunniside tells us today: "We always ask people about households, as well as to wear a mask and to check in on the NHS app, but how are we to know if they are not one household?

"We have to trust what they say and have faith in our customers.”

And that is the crux. Trust is playing a big part and we can only hope the public continue to abide by the rules and support their local businesses in a safe way.

The confusion dished out by the government, at least simplifies the choice of dessert. Eton Mess, anyone?