“Improvement Notice” issued to Chequers over “breach” of coronavirus regulations

Action has been taken against a town centre bar under new powers given to local councils in the coronavirus legislation.

Chequers, located in Church Street, has been issued with an “improvement notice” by Wrexham Council after it was found to be “breach of the regulations” with the council saying the venue was allowing people to drink standing up and poor control of customer social distancing.

The council will now work alongside the business to provide “further guidance”.

The Welsh Government recently strengthened the powers local authorities have to enforce the regulations.

This enables enforcement officers to issue a Premises Improvement Notice to highlight breaches and specify measures that need be taken on premises to comply with the law.

Where notices are issued signs will be displayed in a prominent place to inform people that improvement is needed or that a premises has had to close – to inform the public who is not complying as much as the should be with the new guidance for the health of the wider community.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “The premises were in breach of the regulations due to poor control of customer social distancing, no queue-management, and allowing people to drink standing up.”

“We don’t want to serve these notices on businesses, but every establishment must follow the rules to help keep Wrexham safe.”

“We’ll work with Chequers to provide further guidance and hopefully help them achieve compliance with regulations in the very near future.”

Wrexham Council say that the “vast majority” of businesses in country borough are “managing the risks well” and keeping staff and customers as safe as possible.

However there are also calls for customers to help support businesses during this difficult time by following the instructions in place and sticking to social distancing.

Eating and drinking establishments have to take contact details from customers, so please ‘sign in’ if you’re asked to, a move that looks likely to be compulsory in the next Welsh Government regulation review.

If any staff or customers test positive for Covid-19 at any point, this information will help contact tracers get in touch with people they may have come into contact with at the premises.

Councillor Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “We’re doing everything we can to support local businesses, and there’s a fine balance to strike between keeping people safe and supporting the local economy.

“It’s absolutely vital that businesses follow the regulations. I can’t stress that enough. It’s also really important that customers follow the rules when they visit local pubs, bars, restaurants and shops.”

“Please be kind to staff and listen to instructions. They’re working in difficult circumstances, and need customers to work with them.”

“It’s up to all of us – as businesses and customers – to help keep Wrexham safe, and the vast majority are doing an amazing job.”

If you run a business in Wrexham and you’re uncertain about current Covid-19 regulations and how they affect you, you are encouraged to a look at the Welsh Government website.

If you need further advice you can contact Wrexham Council on 01978 298990.

If you’re a member of the public and you’re concerned about safety arrangements at a premises while shopping, or eating or drinking out, you can find information the Welsh Government website or contact Wrexham Council know of any possible issues.