South Shields restaurant given written warning after hosting wedding which breached coronavirus rules

A South Shields restaurant has been handed a written warning after hosting a wedding party which breached Covid-19 safety guidelines.
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A council investigation launched into the Ocean Road business found that the venue had hosted a wedding party of more than 30 people – a breach of Covid-19 regulations.

However South Tyneside Council officials were satisfied that it was an isolated incident and that the restaurant was following the correct safety procedures to support it being Covid-secure.

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Zeera was handed a written warning and an Improvement Notice from the council.

Zeera Indian Cuisine, Ocean Road, South Shields.Zeera Indian Cuisine, Ocean Road, South Shields.
Zeera Indian Cuisine, Ocean Road, South Shields.

A South Tyneside Council spokeswoman said: “Our Environmental Health team has carried out investigations this week after concerns were raised about a breach of the Covid-19 restrictions relating to a wedding party exceeding the permitted maximum limit of 30 people.

“Following the investigation, we are satisfied that this was an isolated case and that the restaurant has a risk assessment in place to support it being Covid-secure.

"The matter has been dealt with by way of an Improvement Notice and written warning.”

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The warning comes as the council takes enforcement action on businesses repeatedly flouting coronavirus safety regulations.

Shahanoor Choudhury owner and director of Zeera Restaurant.Shahanoor Choudhury owner and director of Zeera Restaurant.
Shahanoor Choudhury owner and director of Zeera Restaurant.
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The council has issued direction notices to The Address, in South Shields, and The Clock, in Hebburn, after they were identified as ‘premises of immediate concern’, following a series of spot checks.

A council spokeswoman added: “We know this is an extremely tough time for businesses and most are working within the guidelines to help protect their staff and customers.

"However, we need them all to comply to keep everyone safe, particularly as the borough is seeing a rise in cases of coronavirus and is under the close watch of the Government.

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"Those that repeatedly flout the regulations will face the consequences, as seen in the enforcement action we have taken this week.”

Zeera owner Shah Choudhury said: “Recently we were approached by the police and the council in regards to a wedding held at our venue.

"This has now been fully investigated.

“The rules of socially distancing, track and trace and hygiene were adhered to during the wedding, as were the amount of people in each room during the celebrations.

“We take the Government’s advice seriously and have put in preventative measures in order to adhere to the rules put in place.”

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