New restaurant has to shut outdoor area
BAR/EATERY OWNER ‘GUTTED’ AT HAVING TO CLOSE DINING TERRACE AFTER CLAIMS IT WAS NOT COVID COMPLIANT
A SWADLINCOTE bar and restaurant has been forced to close its open air dining terrace over claims it was not Covid compliant.
Bosses at the Balearic Eye, in West Street, in the town centre, have said they are “gutted” at the closure so soon after it reopened on April 12 but vowed to “bounce back”.
The venue will continue to offer takeaways to customers during lockdown and had recently opened its Showtime Space terrace to allow people to dine there but in the open air.
However, officers from South Derbyshire District Council inspected the property on Tuesday and made the decision to close its terrace.
A council spokesperson said: “The safety of residents and employees of local businesses is of paramount importance.
“We are committed to helping businesses comply with Covid-19 regulations and are working with local licensed premises to ensure they meet the requirements to keep our residents and visitors to South Derbyshire safe.”
The owners of the premises have been contacted for comment. However, a post by the Balearic Eye on its Facebook page revealed it will refund customers due to the closure.
The post said: “It is with great sadness we have to close our space terrace. Some individual has made a complaint to the council and it’s been deemed we are not compliant with Covid guidelines. Our space is too enclosed.
“We are confused as we made checks before opening and we removed the solid roof and only covered half of this. We also put a twometre height extension for air flow.
“We have done our best to comply. We have recruited staff who are not eligible for furlough. We have stocked our bar and made provisions for this month. All that’s now gone.
“We however are the masters of resilience and the pioneers of perseverance and will bounce back.
“We’re gutted beyond belief. We’re truly sorry if we have to cancel you booking. We will do all we can to make it right.
“For those that have dined with us we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.
“The takeaway remains as normal.”
Yesterday the Burton Mail reported that the venue had already had to postpone a fully booked music night on April 12 because of rules banning outdoor music imposed by the Government. The event was to star Joy Division and New Order bass player Peter Hook.
The building in West Street was once the Empire Cinema.