TAKEAWAY owners have been reminded of the lockdown rules after the county’s regulatory services officers identified a number of issues following visits to check for compliance.
Takeaways can still operate as part of this lockdown but they must still be adhering to the rules of wearing masks, social distancing and closing their doors at 11pm for collection and delivery only.
They can continue to operate after 11pm through deliveries or customers can collect meals but they cannot cross the threshold of the premises.
Officers from Worcestershire Regulatory Services are continuing to make weekend checks on the hospitality trades, ensuring those businesses continuing to offer services are compliant. This message follows on from two weekends of visits undertaken by Environmental Health and Licensing Officers, in some cases with West Mercia Police, across the county.
Coun Helen Dyke, chair of the Worcestershire Regulatory Services Partnership Board, said: “The first thing to say is that the vast majority of the businesses our team deal with are working hard to keep the public and their employees safe.
“However, recent visits have taken place to businesses we’ve not engaged with for some time and there have been issues in a limited number who are letting others in the sector down.
“Mask wearing by members of staff and controls on numbers of people waiting inside to collect orders has been an issue, as has warning signage in some places. It is important that those in charge of these premises make sure these controls are in place.
“Delivery drivers working for takeaway businesses were also identified on several occasions walking into premises without a mask on and then into the kitchen areas. Given these people are taking food to people’s houses, its vitally important that these staff members are aware of how to work safely.
“We appreciate how hard it is for the business community currently, but getting these things right, is essential in our efforts to bring down the number of cases in the county.”
At this stage, officers are issuing warnings but if these are not heeded, Councils will have no option but to move to Fixed Penalty Notices and to court action if that does not bring people to compliance.
Fines for businesses start at £1,000 and local authorities are clear that they will issue these if warnings are not heeded and problems continue.
Anyone with concerns about the conduct of a business can raise them with WRS by telephone on 01905 822 799 or by e-mail to [email protected].
