Posted on: Friday 16 October 2020
Cwmbran Workingmen’s Band Club and Institute, The Terrace Inn, Cwmbran, and The Teazer, New Inn, are the latest businesses to be handed a Premises Improvement Notice for breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020.
The council’s Public Protection Officers have visited the establishments on several occasions to provide advice and assess the effectiveness of their control measures, and spot checks have taken place by Gwent Police.
However, despite officers’ efforts to work with the licensees to assist them in achieving compliance, including providing posters, and signposting to toolkits and guidance, they have failed to implement adequate controls. In particular, they have not taken appropriate steps to prevent members of different households sitting together and have not been collecting customers’ contact information.
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said “Ignoring 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 disregard for the law, putting their customers and staff at risk. We hope this serves as a reminder to other businesses that those intentionally breaking the rules will face consequences.
“The close working relationship between council officers and Gwent Police has enabled this prompt and decisive action to be taken in the interest of public safety. We would like to thank them for their support in this case.”
Both businesses have 48 hours to correct the breaches or consideration will be given to further enforcement, which may include the option to close the premises.