'Small number' of businesses in South Tyneside under investigation for breaching coronavirus guidelines

South Tyneside Council has confirmed that officials and police carried out spot checks on around 30 pubs and restaurants in the borough over the weekend to make sure they were following Covid-19 safety measures.

It follows a spike of coronavirus cases in South Tyneside over the last two weeks with council bosses warning that there is a ‘very real fear’ that the virus could spread further and a local lockdown will need to be imposed.

South Tyneside Council leader, Coun Iain Malcolm, has confirmed that that ‘vast majority’ of premises visited were Covid-19 complaint but said a ‘small number’ were being investigated.

The council leader said that action will be taken by police and the council if a business is found to breach the guidance.

Coun Malcolm said: “We are now on the Government’s watchlist and there are very real fears that the virus could spread further which could see us looking at further restrictions or even local lockdown.

“This is the very last thing that anyone wants and I want to reassure you that your council and our partners are doing all we can to prevent this happening.

“Over the weekend officers, in partnership with the police, carried out spot checks on pubs and restaurants to remind businesses of their responsibilities to help keep people safe.

“These visits were in addition to previous visits by our Environmental Health teams and were well received by both businesses and their customers.

“The vast majority of premises were COVID-compliant.

"However, investigations are ongoing into a small number of venues and both the police and the council are committed to taking action if a business is found to breach the guidance.”

A South Tyneside Council spokeswoman has said businesses in breach of the guidelines could result in a ‘forced closure.’

A council spokewoman said: “We continue to work with our partners to tackle a spike in coronavirus cases and take breaches of the Covid restrictions very seriously.

“We have done a great deal of work with local businesses, offering advice and guidance to ensure Covid secure measures are in place.

This includes reminding them of their responsibilities to help keep people safe as well as carrying out spot checks to ensure risk assessments are being correctly implemented, managed and followed.

“Out of around 30 pubs and restaurants that were visited over the weekend, the vast majority were compliant.

“However, we have identified some cases where further investigations are ongoing.

“It is imperative that businesses comply with the rules if we are to avoid a local lockdown.

"Failure to do so means that we will be left with no other option than to force the closure of those venues in breach of the legislation.”

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