Tearoom forced to shut after court order issued
A CHRISTIAN tearoom in Gedling which quoted the Magna Carta as a reason to remain open during national lockdown has been closed own.
The Post visited the Mustard Seed cafe and bookshop in Main Road yesterday, only to find the lights off and a notice from Gedling Borough Council taped to the door.
The court notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, forced the business to close.
The council says the business owner “had repeatedly breached Covid regulations set out by the Government during the lockdown period, which have resulted in them being issued with fines totalling £17,000”.
The council’s legal team, following the series of breaches and fines, was granted a closure order at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Councillor John Clarke, leader of the council, said: “Following repeated breaches of the notices we served on the Mustard Seed, which clearly stated that they need to follow the guidance and regulations during lockdown, we have no option but to close it down.
“We have given the owner several chances to do the right thing and they’ve made the decision to ignore our message.
“Things are now so serious that they risk imprisonment, which nobody wants to see.”
Nottinghamshire Police were also called to the cafe over the weekend after a gathering of up to 50 people was reported inside.
Inspector Chris Pearson said: “We all need to play our part to help stop the spread of coronavirus and keep our local communities safe.
“This closure order shows that no-one is above the law when it comes to that and, working with our partners, we will not hesitate to take action against businesses which persistently flout the regulations set by the Government, putting lives at risk and increasing the risk of the virus spreading.”
Jonathan Gribbin, director for Public Health for Nottinghamshire, added: “I wholly support any action by partner organisations that will protect the health and wellbeing of people in Nottinghamshire.
“The national restrictions in place are there to protect everyone.”