Police and council to visit pubs, restaurants and takeaways this weekend

Wakefield Council says police officers and environmental health officers will be visiting bars, takeaways and restaurants this weekend to monitor the social distancing.
Checks will be made.Checks will be made.
Checks will be made.

They will be checking that premises are adhering to the new national guidance and legislation that came into force yesterday.

The new restrictions set out by government, which came into force on September 24 include:

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- Pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only, except for takeaways.

- Hospitality venues must close at 10pm. The same will apply to takeaways, although deliveries can continue.

- The requirement to wear face coverings will be extended to include retail staff and staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.

These new restrictions are in addition to the ‘rule of six’, which prohibits social gatherings of more than six people both indoors and outdoors. Premises and venues across England must also have a system in place to record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff.

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Coun Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for environment, communities and poverty, said: “With cases rising across our district, it is essential that everyone follows the new restrictions, which are vital to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

“It is absolutely critical that we reduce the spread of infection and we must act now to prevent more cases. We want people to still enjoy a night out, but you must take responsibility to keep yourself and others safe.

“Please support our local economy and local businesses who have worked really hard to implement the necessary measures by sticking to the rules.

“This weekend and over the next few weeks we will be stepping up our action across the district to support everyone to play their part as we reach a crucial point in trying to control the spread of the virus.”

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Chief Inspector Rick Sumner, of Wakefield district, said: “We are continuing to work closely alongside our partner agencies across the Wakefield district to keep people safe from the ongoing threat to public health that Covid-19 presents.

“It is essential that we all follow the latest regulations and restrictions to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"This is a shared effort and the police will play their part alongside Government, businesses, hospitality owners, local authorities and others.

“I would urge people to use their common sense and think about their own safety and the safety of others during these unprecedented times.

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“Our officers will continue to focus on engaging, explaining and encouraging, with enforcement where necessary for those who refuse to comply.

“The demands on the police service are now back to pre-Covid levels making it even more important that everyone takes personal responsibility so police involvement is a last resort.”

Anyone wanting to report a venue in the Wakefield district that they believe isn’t operating safely should email [email protected] or call 0345 8 506 506.