Council could take action against some Hull venues after inspections
While no fixed penalty notices were handed out over the long weekend, civil financial penalties for breaches were issued
Hull venues warned about their enforcement of coronavirus restrictions over the bank holiday weekend could face formal action if they fail to heed council advice going forward.
Hull City Council officers inspected pubs, bars and other venues over the three day weekend to check that coronavirus restrictions were being enforced and that patrons were following them.
A council spokesperson said that while no fixed penalty notices were handed out, civil financial penalties for breaches were issued to a small number of venues failing to properly enforce the rules.
Meanwhile in the East Riding, a council spokesperson said a small number of venues needed advice on correctly running track and trace system but compliance with restrictions was broadly good.
It comes as patrons flocked to venues in Hull and the East Riding from Saturday, May 26 to Monday, May 28 for the first bank holiday since restrictions on inside seating eased on Monday, May 17.
Current rules require table service inside for groups no larger than six from different households, with limits also placed on venues’ capacity.
Customers are also required to wear masks while moving around inside and follow any extra measures put in place by venues.
Pubs, bars and other venues are also required to place screens on bars to protect patrons and staff.
A Hull City Council spokesperson said the “vast majority” of hospitality businesses stuck to the rules while calling on the public to continue following restrictions. The spokesperson said:
“Council officers engaged in a proactive series of visits throughout the bank holiday weekend to check on levels of compliance within the hospitality sector.
“The vast majority of businesses showed a high level of compliance and were taking good care of the safety of their staff and customers.
“A small minority of premises visited were not being managed adequately.
“We did not issue any fixed penalty notices but, should these few premises not respond to advice, we will take formal action to secure improvements.
“We appreciate the challenges being presented to businesses and will continue to work with them and support them.
“It is also vitally important that the public support our hospitality sector by acting responsibly and following guidance when visiting our bars, restaurants and cafes."
East Riding Council’s spokesperson said residents and patrons of local venues should remember to check in on track and trace systems if over 16:
“Compliance was found to be good overall across the weekend, a few premises required a little advice on ensuring track and trace was being followed by all customers.
“We would ask customers to be mindful of their individual need for everyone over 16 to check into the venue on arrival, this includes any outdoor areas.
“We all need to support the premises in reopening safely, by respecting the premises procedures in place for the safety of their staff and the residents and visitors to the East Riding.”
The visits come ahead of Monday, June 21 when the remaining coronavirus restrictions are set to be lifted.
But the spread of the India variant and others of concern has cast doubt on whether the deadline will be met.