Anger and disbelief as pub is caught serving alcohol
CUSTOMERS, OWNERS AND STAFF FINED AFTER PUNTERS SAT AROUND TABLE DRINKING AND WATCHING TV
OWNERS, staff and customers of a Nottinghamshire pub have been fined after the venue was found to be serving alcohol inside during the Covid lockdown.
Police visited The Plough Inn in Cropwell Butler on Thursday to find four people sitting around a table drinking and watching television with a member of staff.
Environmental health and licensing officers from Rushcliffe Borough Council have now served its owners a fixed penalty notice of £1,000 in line with Government rules and police have issued £200 fines to all the customers and the three owners and staff present at the time of the breach.
The business has been closed and received a prohibition notice.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, Councillor Rob Inglis said: “I was in disbelief to start with. It’s really annoying that people have been so selfish, ignoring these lockdown rules for their own benefit. It’s just not on.
“The majority of people have been sticking to these rules, yet a minority have spoilt it for everybody. “There’s no excuse for doing it.” “This is an exceptionally disheartening breach of the lockdown restrictions when so many people are following the rules to protect lives and each other at the height of the pandemic.
“It is mindless, selfish and utterly irresponsible by all involved. We know businesses are facing an unprecedented trading situation but so many here in Rushcliffe have adapted brilliantly to offer takeaway and delivery safely instead of having to resort to flouting the rules.
“We always look to advise and educate business owners as to their responsibilities and we thank Rushcliffe business owners for their high compliance to date and for playing their part in keeping customers and staff safe.
“Covid restrictions are in place to protect everyone and we say to all business owners please do not place yourself in a position like this which is putting lives at risk. Contact us if you need support to trade.” Residents have spoken of their anger and disbelief after hearing about the incident. Chris Dawson, 53, who lives nearby said: “Rules are rules. I sympathise with the hospitality industry which has been decimated in the pandemic, but that sounds daft. “It’s a nice pub. It’s where the village gathers. I’m angry to hear that and saddened. It doesn’t make sense. They thought they could get away with it.” Jason Cooper, 59, added: “It’s really disappointing to hear. It’s a quiet village. A lot of people have been sticking to themselves and sticking to the rules, not seeing family, grandchildren.
“So when you hear incidents like this you just think what’s the point. It’s very selfish.”
One resident who lives close by but did not wish to be named said: “It is senseless. Our hospitals have never been busier during the pandemic. It’s just causing risk and no wonder we’re in lockdown with actions like that.”
Rushcliffe Inspector Craig Berry said: “Through joint enforcement work from the police and the local council we attended on January 14 and worked in a partnership approach to prevent further breaches of the legislation. The bar was issued with a prohibition notice and a fixed penalty notice by environmental health and licensing officers.
“We are pleased with the partnership approach and will not tolerate flouting the Covid-19 legislation and we will take positive action.
“We will investigate any reports of licensed premises and pubs that are reported of being open and in breach of the Government’s Covid 19 regulations. Appropriate actions will be taken.”
It’s really annoying that people have been so selfish, ignoring these lockdown rules for their own benefit Coun Rob Inglis