Three bars ordered to close over COVID breaches

Three South Tyneside bars have been ordered to close for seven days over COVID-19 breaches.
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South Tyneside Council has served directions to close Dougie’s Tavern in Blackett Street, Hebburn, Hebburn Sports and Social Club and The Bridge in Wenlock Road, South Shields, from Wednesday after they failed to ensure a Covid-secure environment for the protection of staff and customers.

The local authority said its Environmental Health officers made several spot checks to the premises over recent weeks, where the pubs’ management were reminded of the rules around social distancing, received guidance on how to improve and effectively manage Covid security and updates on legislation.

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A council statement added: “Dougie’s Tavern was also given specific advice regarding parties and wakes, in line with new rules effective from 14 September.

Hebburn Sports And Social Club, HebburnHebburn Sports And Social Club, Hebburn
Hebburn Sports And Social Club, Hebburn

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"However, in response to a complaint, officers made a further visit on Friday (18 September), where they observed a wake at the venue, despite earlier reassurances from the pub that no such bookings had been made. Guest numbers exceeded the permitted maximum limit and data gathering arrangements for test and trace were found to be ineffective.

“Hebburn Sports and Social Club had previously been issued with a letter identifying it as a ‘premises of concern’ and was being closely monitored when officers visiting on Saturday (19 September) witnessed the venue still open and mostly full at the required 10pm closing time, with little evidence of social distancing rules being effectively managed.

“During a further spot check at The Bridge on Saturday (19 September), officers observed contraventions of the social distancing guidance.

The Bridge, South Shields.The Bridge, South Shields.
The Bridge, South Shields.
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“The owners of the three pubs will now be required to make sure appropriate measures are in place to protect staff and customers before they can be re-opened as safely as possible.”

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All three pubs are now required to close for seven days, from 7pm on Wednesday, September 23.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “Most pubs, bars and restaurants are operating safely. They are working extremely hard to keep trading while looking after their staff and customers and helping to limit the spread of the virus.

Dougies Tavern, HebburnDougies Tavern, Hebburn
Dougies Tavern, Hebburn

“Visits were made to around 170 hospitality premises over the weekend, with officers finding high levels of compliance and most businesses successfully adapted to meet the new restrictions. We greatly appreciate this and thank those premises for their co-operation and continued efforts to keep people safe.

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“Unfortunately, there are some exceptions with a small minority continually putting the health and safety of our residents at risk. This is despite significant efforts being made by Council officers to support and guide businesses to ensure that they could reopen safely and continue to operate in line with the Covid-secure measures in place.

“In cases where venues have repeatedly flouted the regulations, we have been left with no other option but to take action. It is in every business’s interests to do all they can to follow the rules and keep people safe.”

The directions to close are the latest in a series of enforcement actions taken by the Council under new powers given to local authorities. Last week, The Albion Gin & Ale House, in Jarrow, became the first venue in the borough to be served a direction to close. Council officers continue to work closely with the venue regarding next steps.