Pubs or businesses in the hospitality sector found repeatedly breaching Coronavirus rules will be closed down as part of joint enforcement policy to be adopted by the North Wales Police and Anglesey Council
Anglesey Council and North Wales Police have been carrying out regular spot checks on the Island. The majority of licensed premises have good systems in place for ensuring social distancing, controlling numbers and recording customer details for track and trace purposes.
However, despite licensed premises having reopened since July, a small number are still breaching Covid 19 legislation, which could contribute to the spread of Coronavirus.
Anglesey Licensing are now also urging residents to get in touch if they see licensed premises putting customers and staff in harm’s way by flouting the law. Please call 01248 752840 or email: Licensing@anglesey.gov.wales
Chief Public Protection Officer, Les Pursglove, explained, “We have worked closely with North Wales Police and Licensees in recent months to educate, inform and provide the necessary guidance. Some of our spot checks are still flagging Coronavirus breaches though, and if this continues, we will have no choice but to take enforcement action.”
“We would only use a closure notice as a last resort, but make no mistake we will close down licensed premises if need be, to keep communities safe.”
“Our Enforcement Team will be working collaboratively with our Police colleagues, who will be reviewing weekly intelligence, with a view to then carrying out targeted spot checks on those premises who may not be complying.”
Public Protection portfolio holder, Councillor Richard Dew, said, “We recognise that it is still an uncertain time for businesses in the hospitality sector and we want to continue to support them as much as possible.”
“However, they also play a vital role in helping us prevent the spread of Coronavirus and keeping Anglesey communities and Wales safe. If they fail to do this, we will have no option but to close them down.”
Chief Inspector Owain Llewellyn from North Wales Police added, “Our approach continues to be utilise the four Es, which are engaging, explaining and encouraging and where absolutely necessary through the use of enforcement powers. It is absolutely right that we work in partnership to identify and robustly deal with the very small number of premises that continue to endanger public health.”
Ends 9.10.20
Notes for Editors:
Key guiding principles for licensed premises include: