LETTERS have been sent to all Coventry’s hospitality businesses after several alleged ‘rule of six’ breaches at city bars, pubs and licensed premises.
Violations include live entertainment, unrecorded Test and Trace details, large gathering and a lack of social distancing.
All licensed premises have been warned that they must obey the rules, or face action including closure, prosecution and even a licence review.
Leader of Coventry City Council, Coun George Duggins, said: “We know it has been a tough time for the hospitality trade and we know how important our bars and licensed premises are to the city, and to residents. We want to work with them to ensure they can remain at the heart of their communities and are there for people to enjoy.
“To do that, however, they must follow all COVID regulations and help us to keep the city safe. We will not take action lightly, but all businesses should be aware that we will do all in our power to prevent further lockdowns.”
The letter urges businesses them to stay within Government guidelines and help the city council to protect the city and vulnerable residents. Customers are also being asked for their support as the city works to keep venues open and avoid local lockdowns.
Areas of the city have seen a rise in cases in recent weeks, prompting fears of tougher restrictions, and the letter reminds all hospitality venues of the steps they must take to ensure customers are safe when visiting.
Monday saw the introduction of the ‘rule of six’ for indoor and outdoor gatherings, together with vigorous measures to record personal details of customers for Test and Trace.
Now, all licensed premises have been warned that they must obey the rules, or face action including closure, prosecution and even a licence review.
Venues are being reminded that they must follow safety measures including:
- keep customers and visitors safe, including social distancing arrangements
- keep to the ‘rule of six’
- record NHS Track and Trace details and keep for 21 days
- keep music low to avoid people raising their voices
- only play TV/sports with no sound
- protect and manage their workforce
Customers are reminded to comply with all measures they are asked to take by hospitality venues.
- wash hands or use hand gel before and after going out and regularly while out, particularly after contact with door-handles, light switches, taps etc.
- maintain social distancing at all times, including when entering and leaving venues
- not visit venues if they have any signs of Covid or concerns about any symptoms
- give the correct details to the venue so they can be contacted by NHS Test and Trace
- wear a mask in any crowded or narrow areas and if requested to do so
- use judgement about where they go and how much they go out
All the latest advice and guidance is available on the Council website.
