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New powers to enforce business closures

News release issued:

Businesses which do not follow new emergency closure regulations could face unlimited fines and have their licences withdrawn.

Officers from Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services now have the powers to enforce the Government’s closure of licensed premises, restaurants and other venues, where food or drink are sold for consumption on those premises. The move is another measure to limit the spread of Coronavirus.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect on Saturday 21st March and allows the authorities to prosecute those caught defying the government’s advice during the pandemic.

The Regulations provide enforcement powers to ensure that all premises including restaurants, pubs, cafés, cinemas, nightclubs, theatres, museums, betting shops and spas – to name just a few – close or remain closed until otherwise directed by the Secretary of State.

Officers from Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services are monitoring compliance.  They will be working together to issue prohibition notices and challenging unsafe behaviours. Businesses who fail to comply could also potentially receive unlimited fines and could have their licenses withdrawn.

Wyre Forest District Council was alerted to allegations of drinking or parties being held at licensed premises over the weekend. These are being investigated.

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