Vale of Belvoir pub punished for flouting Covid rules

A group of people were reported to be drinking alcohol inside the Chequers pub, at Cropwell Bishop, on Friday evening.

The business was seen to be legally operating a takeaway service to customers but current restrictions do not allow people to be served alcohol inside a premises.

Nottinghamshire Police officers and officers from Rushcliffe Borough Council observed the premises from a distance and noticed people entering the pub.

Some left with boxes of food, as they were offering a takeaway service, which is allowed under current restrictions, but it was clear that there less were leaving the pub than entering.

Environmental health Officers then entered the pub and witnessed a group of men drinking alcohol, prompting a call to Nottinghamshire Police.

Management at the premises claimed the individuals were customers using the takeaway service who did not wish to wait outside in the cold for their food.

Details of people inside were taken and the pub was today (Monday) given a prohibition order and a fine of £1,000, in line with central government guidelines.

Rushcliffe inspector, Craig Berry, said: “Officers from the local council and Nottinghamshire Police were called to a pub in Cropwell Bishop on Friday night following numerous calls from members of the public after reports that the premises were open and serving alcohol.

“Through joint enforcement work from the police and the local council we attended today and worked in a partnership approach to prevent further breaches of the legislation.

“The bar was issued with a prohibition notice and a fixed penalty notice by licensing officers.”

He added: ”We are pleased with the partnership approach and will not tolerate flouting the Covid-19 legislation and we will take positive action.

“We will investigate any reports of licensed premises and pubs that are reported of being open and in breach of the governments Covid 19 regulations.

“Appropriate actions will be taken, this being a good example of partnership work with the local authority.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, Councillor Rob Inglis, said: “We know how tough it is for businesses currently but the current Covid restrictions are in place to protect everyone and ultimately save lives.

“We always look to advise and educate business owners as to their responsibilities with any licence but there was a blatant disregard for its rules in this case and we take any breach very seriously to protect consumers.

“Overall compliance from businesses across Rushcliffe has been high and we thank them for playing their part and adapting brilliantly in so many cases.

“We understand the current financial climate for businesses and will now work with the owners in this case to draw up steps they can take to trade safely in future.

“All food and drink must be taken away from the premises with no indoor or outdoor seating available and customers are advised to not congregate inside or outside the business within guidelines outlined by central government.”

Cropwell Bishop is located in the Rushcliffe district, which has had high infection rates in recent weeks and 117 Covid-related deaths.