OFFICERS at Coventry Council have warned they will close pubs which fail to stick to coronavirus guidance.
Complaints have been made about noise and crowding in some venues, according to the licensing team.
They say they will take a stern line against bars or pubs which flout social distancing.
A spokeswoman for Coventry City Council said: “Licensing and Environmental Health officials have provided considerable support to many hospitality businesses across Coventry in the run-up to, and since the easing of, lockdown for the industry on 4 July.
“But over recent weeks, an increasing number of complaints have come in from customers or nearby residents.
“Coventry City Council licensing officials have been in touch with pubs and bars this week where concerns have been raised, warning them that unless they change their ways, they will face action, including potential closure.
“Licensed premises are reminded that they are under a legal obligation to uphold the licensing objectives. Failure to do so could lead to a review of their Premises Licence.”
Councillor Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader at Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: “I want to be clear – we do not want to close any business down. Indeed, we have provided considerable support in helping hospitality businesses to reopen and we continue to do so.
“But people’s safety and wellbeing is always our number one priority in everything we do and this is no different. Premises must still act as good neighbours and responsible businesses throughout the pandemic, and they have a responsibility to ensure that their customers act accordingly as well.
“We know businesses are struggling because of the enforced lockdown but the reality is that if we do not follow the public health rules, another lockdown could be forced on us again.
“The majority of businesses are doing all they can, but some customers flout the rules and I want to be clear we are not targeting those businesses.
“But if we find any business consistently not complying with what they need to do, and they do not respond to our concerns around antisocial behaviour and disorder, then we will use the powers we have to close them until they do.”
