Stricter policing of nightspots announced
Bravo to meet mayors to study additional measures to reduce contagion
AFTER Valencia president Ximo Puig announced a ‘mobilisation of the security forces’ to guarantee that nightlife customers and businesses are observing regulations brought in to stop the spread of Covid-19, regional police carried out 190 inspections at the weekend around the region.
During the interventions officers issued fines to 28 people for not wearing a face mask.
They also warned 1,385 people over the use of a face mask and social distancing.
Legal proceedings were started against nine businesses around the region which were contravening the rules and one bar has been issued with a closure order.
Sr Puig noted that the increased vigilance in the provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón involves ‘all the security forces’ (local, regional and national police and Guardia Civil).
The crackdown is to ensure ‘maximum security’ for the general public with coronavirus cases on the rise again.
Regional councillor for justice Gabriela Bravo explained that there had been a ‘widespread operation’ at the weekend.
This was carried out in the main cities and towns and tourist areas ‘to ensure that nightlife is following the healthcare rules – and people are wearing face masks, respecting social distancing and capacities are not being exceeded’.
Sra Bravo noted that regional police had carried out 55 inspections of premises in Alicante city, Calpe, Elche, San Juan and San Vicente del Raspeig,
with four business in the province hit with fines.
Coordination between the different security forces had allowed them to reach more places, she added.
Sra Bravo was due to meet with mayors from around the region this week ‘to evaluate the progression of the pandemic and study the possibility of taking additional measures which could reduce contagion’.
No masking fines
Police in Jávea say 130 people have been hit with €100 fines for failing to wear masks in public place in the last fortnight.
The local police publicised the results of its clampdown in a bid to ensure more people covered their faces - the Valencia government made wearing a mask compulsory as part of its Covid-19 health regulations.
Officers initially adopted a ‘softly, softly’ approach and issued warnings but stepped up the campaign with sanctions as numbers of people staying in the Marina Alta resort rose.