The 2020 COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic closed many bars and restaurants. Some bars were allowed to serve drinks, but only if the establishment also served a “substantial meal.” “Cuomo chips (potato chips served by bars, named after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo) were judged to be not substantial.
 
A Christmas joke about this became popular in the UK. “🎅🏻 Just a quick reminder that if you’re leaving an alcoholic beverage for Father Christmas this year, it must be accompanied by a ‘substantial meal’. You’re welcome 🎅🏻” was posted on Facebook by Bull and Bladder on December 3, 2020.
 
     
Wikipedia: COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 and a pandemic in March 2020.
   
Wikipedia: Substantial meal
A substantial meal or table meal is a term of art in British law regarding the application of alcohol licensing laws. It was also used in reference to the closure of pubs, restaurants and cafés due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with those serving “substantial meals” being protected.
 
Outside of the UK, on 29 June, all restaurants and cafés in Ireland reopened providing on-premises food and drink where they can comply with social distancing measures and strict cleaning in operation. All bars and pubs reopened serving table service only, and customers must buy a “substantial” meal worth at least €9.
 
Facebook
Bull and Bladder
December 3, 2020 at 7:10 AM ·
🎅🏻 Just a quick reminder that if you’re leaving an alcoholic beverage for Father Christmas this year, it must be accompanied by a ‘substantial meal’. You’re welcome 🎅🏻.
 
Facebook
Shrewsbury Beaconsfield Club
December 3, 2020 at 8:34 AM ·
🎅🏻 Just a quick reminder that if you’re leaving an alcoholic beverage for Father Christmas this year, it must be accompanied by a ‘substantial meal’. You’re welcome 🎅🏻.
 
Facebook
St George’s Day
December 7, 2020 at 9:39 AM ·
Just a quick reminder that if
you’re leaving an alcoholic
beverage for Father Christmas
this year, it must be
accompanied by a ‘substantial
meal’. You’re welcome.
 
Twitter
N.I.Veteran
@GanglSepp
Just a reminder, if you leave an alcoholic drink for Santa this year, it must be accompanied by a substantial meal.
You’re welcome.
10:53 PM · Dec 7, 2020·Twitter for Android
 
Twitter
LiveFight
@LiveFight
Just remember folks, if you are leaving an alcoholic beverage for Father Christmas this year…
it must be accompanied by a ‘substantial meal’
GIF
9:35 AM · Dec 8, 2020·Twitter for iPhone
 
Twitter
Phil Boulter
@PhilPhilboulter
Reminder.
That if you’re leaving an alcoholic beverage for Father Christmas this year
It must be accompanied by a Substantial Meal Santa Claus
2:36 PM · Dec 8, 2020·Twitter for iPad
 
Twitter
Craig
@Craig_Connan18
yo if your leaving alcohol out for Father Christmas this year and live in tear 2, then remember it must be accompanied by a ‘substantial meal’
4:03 PM · Dec 8, 2020·Twitter Web App
 
Twitter
Laura
@AmberNectar_83
Just a quick reminder that if you’re leaving an alcoholic beverage for Father Christmas this year, it must be accompanied by a ‘substantial meal’
#Covid19 #Christmas2020 #SantaClaus
3:33 AM · Dec 9, 2020·Twitter for Android
 
Twitter
Brad Robinson
@xiBradleyyyx
Just a quick reminder that if you are leaving an alcoholic beverage for Santa this year, then it must be accompanied by a ‘substantial meal’ #tbt #COVID19
6:48 AM · Dec 9, 2020·Twitter for Android
 
Twitter
johnpsimon
@johnpsimon
Just a reminder that if you are leaving an alcoholic drink out for Father Christmas this year it must be accompanied by a ‘Substantial Meal’
#Christmas #Covid19UK #scotcheggs
2:08 PM · Dec 9, 2020·Twitter for Android