Stockton pub landlord hosts lockdown eating contest, claiming it’s an ‘elite’ sport

Does competitive eating count as top-level sport?

Under current lockdown rules, pubs in England have had to close. But what if they hosted eating contests? Ok, let us explain. Venues for "elite sports persons" to train and compete are allowed to operate under the current restrictions. But what about elite-level competitive eating? Does that count? Can you host that in the lockdown? That is what Craig Harker, who runs The George Pub and Grill in Stockton is claiming. The pub received complaints to the council have they hosted eating contests during lockdown. "On Saturday we ran a British Eating League event from the pub during the national lockdown," Harker told Teesside Live. "The venue was closed to the public and only the TV production crew and athletes were allowed on the premises. The Government guidelines state that elite sports can continue during lockdown and there is no higher league in competitive eating than the British Eating League." "Food Sports TV also ran the production side and as Government guidelines state all TV production can continue. A covid risk assessment was carried out and advice was given from UKCEO and CEGA who are the UK’s Governing body of competitive eating." In a Facebook post on Thursday, Harker updated the situation, saying that the council's licensing department will not be taking any further action. "I woke up to a lovely email from Stockton Borough Council... asking questions about the eating contest and advised, although they won't be proceeding any further at the council's licensing department. However, the report will now be sent to the Covid Department to look at with advice from public health." https://www.facebook.com/GeorgePubAndGrill/posts/3086342084805140 The George Pub and Grill live-streamed Saturday's event on their Facebook page. The competitors all appeared to be wearing face masks when not eating, and were socially distanced with plastic screens between them. Under current lockdown rules in England, cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs must close, with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway, click-and-collect or delivery. (Images from the The George Pub and Grill Facebook page).