Posted on: Friday 9 October 2020
A premises improvement notice has been issued to The Halfway Inn, Old Cwmbran, for breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020.
Officers from Heddlu Gwent Police visited the premises on Friday 2nd October 2020 and observed customers walking around the premises not wearing a face covering, staff working at the premises who were not correctly wearing a face covering and members of separate households sat together at the same table (contrary to local lockdown restrictions).
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said “Blatantly flouting the Coronavirus Regulations is dangerous, and it’s sad to hear that some people are still not taking the risk (to health) as seriously as they should.
“The council’s Public Protection service has been working closely with businesses providing advice and support to help them control the risks associated with Coronavirus. Whilst the majority of businesses have been following the rules, a small minority have shown a flagrant disregard for the law, putting their customers and staff at risk.
“We hope this case makes other businesses think twice about ignoring the rules, and we would like to thank Gwent Police for their support with this case.”
Chief superintendent Mark Hobrough said: “Our investigation, in co-ordination with Torfaen County Borough Council’s public protection team, uncovered serious breaches of the legislation.
“As this incident shows, we – together with our partners – will continue to take action to keep the public safe if no alternative is left.
“We’ll do so if businesses, and the public, continue to flout the law especially after we have engaged with, encouraged and educated people beforehand.”
The licence holder has 48 hours to correct the issues highlighted or further enforcement action will be considered, including the option to issue closure notices.