Five Sheffield Businesses Closed Due to COVID-19 Breaches

Sheffield City Council has issued prohibition notices to four pubs and one takeaway following breaches of COVID-19 guidelines.

Four Pubs and One Takeaway Closed

Enforcement exercises were carried out by Council officers last weekend, resulting in the closure of four pubs and one takeaway.

Prohibition notices were served to the businesses after officers observed the premises not complying with regulations, creating a “serious health and safety risk”.

The premises issued with notices were:

• Chicken Stop (Sheffield City Centre)
• Malin Bridge Inn (Hillsborough)
• Pack Horse Inn (High Green)
• Pen Nook (Deepcar)
• Sport Shack (Hillsborough)

Lack of Controls, Loud Music and Lack of Social Distancing

Issues observed during the enforcement exercise included a lack of controls, lack of social distancing measures, groups of more than six, loud music, singing, dancing and people from different groups hugging and kissing.

Additional issues included the lack of table service, poor staffing levels, people standing at the bar and no mechanisms for gathering track and trace information.

News of the closures comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces further restrictions from Thursday, including hospitality venues being forced to close at 10pm.

Director of Public Health Statement on Closures

Sheffield City Council’s Director of Public Health has issued a statement following the prohibition notices being issued:

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“We don’t want to do this: this is a last resort but some places are just not getting the message to act safely and prevent further spread of the virus. If we do not take measures such as these then we could end up in an even worse position.

“Rates have been steadily increasing in Sheffield over recent weeks, we have university students coming into the city this week, and we must do all we can to ensure people follow the guidance and safety advice from ourselves and our partners in the NHS and Government. We want residents and visitors to be able to enjoy the city, but in a safe and responsible way.  I understand people’s frustrations about how long this has gone on for and that people want to see the end of it, but that will not happen unless we all adhere to the guidance, including the new rule of six.”

“Intelligence tells us that the vast majority of premises are working with us and working really hard to create safe environments for their customers, and we are grateful for their efforts but I cannot stress the seriousness of the situation we are in. The purpose of the rules is to protect us all; Covid-19 is a dangerous respiratory disease which can spread quickly. We all need to do our bit to stop the spread.”Greg Fell, Director of Public Health for Sheffield City Council

Sheffield City Council Offers Support for Businesses to Operate Properly

Sheffield City Council have also reiterated its commitment to helping local businesses operate within the restrictions.

The council will send information packs to businesses on request, visit premises to help business owners plan their safe operations and provide other advice and support.

“The Council will continue to support premises and businesses during this crisis and will provide support and advice. We will continue to work with partners to make people alert to the fact that the virus is still out there and we all need to do our bit to prevent further lockdown measures. The Council will take action where necessary and have undertaken over 2000 visits to venues since lockdown was eased.”Sheffield City Council

More information on support available to businesses and venues is available here.

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