Coronavirus restrictions enforcement in reopened venues

Hull City Council and East Riding Council are set to inspect businesses which reopened this week under eased coronavirus restrictions.

Coronavirus marshals and public protection officers of both councils are set to undertake the visits to pubs, bars and other venues as well as non-essential shops.

They are set to offer businesses advice on how to comply with restrictions and government guidance as well as to check for rule breaking.

A Hull City Council spokesperson said the public should also play their part by continuing to follow rules on mask wearing and social distancing while visiting businesses.

An East Riding Council spokesperson said coronavirus marshals would also be deployed at seaside towns to ensure restrictions are followed.

It comes as venues including pubs and bars and non-essential shops welcomed customers back for their first day of trading under eased coronavirus restrictions.

Pubs, bars and other venues were allowed to reopen their beer gardens but patrons are still not allowed inside.

Shoppers visiting non-essential stores have been asked to go alone or with their households, with retailers told to close by 10pm.

Hull City Council’s spokesperson said residents should also start taking coronavirus tests twice a week even if they don't have symptoms:

“Hull City Council, like all local authorities, is responsible for ensuring that local businesses correctly interpret and implement government guidance.

“Officers from Public Protection and the city’s coronavirus marshals, will be visiting and contacting businesses to ensure they are coronavirus-compliant.

“When businesses fail to implement suitable measures, we will work with them to ensure the necessary changes are made.

“From the very start of the pandemic, we have worked with our local businesses to support them to implement the guidance and the measures they must put in place.

“As we reach the next stage of emerging from lockdown, we would urge businesses to continue to get in touch if they need our help.

“Hull City Council has a responsibility to the city’s business community and residents to ensure that all businesses interpret and implement the guidance correctly and safely.

“The public also has a part to play by following all restrictions in place when they visit a business including maintaining appropriate social distance, wearing a mask where needed and washing or sanitising hands regularly.

“One in three people with the virus is not ill and does not know they have it, but can still infect others.”

“Members of the public can also contact us if they have any concerns about coronavirus safety measures at a business.”

East Riding Council’s spokesperson said:

“Information has gone out to licensed premises to make them aware of their responsibilities under Step Two.

“There will be proactive visits by public protection officers during this week to offer support and advice to business as they re-open and deal with any breaches of the regulations.

“In addition, there will be coronavirus marshals who will have a presence in coastal areas identifying any areas of concern and informing officers so that any appropriate advice or action can be taken.

“Members of the public can report coronavirus restrictions breaches by contacting the council’s Public Protection team.”

More information for businesses is available for Hull and the East Riding.