By Eric King-
The local government will be responsible for enforcing regulations requiring those businesses asked to close last Saturday, according to new guidance issued on Sunday.
Businesses including pubs, cinemas, theatres and casinos were told to close from 21 March, as part of government drive to reduce the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
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Government confirmed today that Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers with police support if appropriate will work together to issue prohibition notices challenging unsafe behaviours where businesses do not follow these restrictions.
Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers will monitor compliance, and businesses who fail to comply can also receive fines. Continued non-compliance could then lead to the loss of alcohol licenses.
Under the Business Closure regulations introduced on March 21, officers will have powers to prosecute for breach of regulations. Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
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We recognise the pressure the emergency COVID-19 restrictions place on small businesses, which is why the government has announced an unprecedented package of support to help businesses and workers.
But we must follow the medical advice. That means staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives. So far we have seen this crisis bring out the best in us, but some people are risking the safety of others by failing to act on medical advice. People must do this immediately to save people’s .
Business Secretary Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP said:
I want to urge all businesses to look carefully at the package of measures we have announced to help them through this difficult time and allow them to comply with new regulations.
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