Covid marshals scrambled to bar in ‘aggressive’ Scotch eggs crackdown
THE manager of a bar-restaurant which had only just re-opened after lockdown says ‘bolshy’ Covid marshals were sent to investigate after it offered free Scotch eggs for drinkers.
Rachael Parke said the Number 29 was visited twice in the same day by two young men last week.
The local council said the marshals went to the restaurant to investigate complaints it was offering the eggs in social media posts in an attempt to get around Covid rules on having ‘substantial meals’ with drinks.
But Miss Parke said the establishment in Burnham Market, Norfolk, had done nothing wrong and criticised the officials’ ‘aggressive’ approach.
‘They have an intimidating presence about them,’ she said. ‘They didn’t ask how you how you are or give advice, they just came in and were bolshy, wearing high-vis jackets and looking more like security than
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giving advice.’ She added: ‘The council need to think about the training. They need to be open and approachable and give us advice rather than this stern approach which makes you think they want to take over the premises in a really aggressive manner.’ A spokesman for North Norfolk Council said: ‘A complaint was received that Number 29 was advertising on social media that every customer would receive a free Scotch egg with an alcoholic drink. ‘On Thursday, December 3, the owner was telephoned, and it was explained that giving out free Scotch eggs with an alcoholic drink did not constitute a substantial meal. ‘Our environmental health team are continuing to work with Number 29 to ensure the business keeps staff and customers safe and works within the guidance.’