Pub shut after breach of rules
A Sunderland pub has been ordered to close for two weeks after repeatedly breaching the rules around coronavirus.
A direction to close notice was served on The Saltgrass in Hanover Place, Deptford yesterday and stipulates that the pub must close for two weeks from 4pm today, until Friday, October 23.
The closure follows an Oktoberfest event at the pub on Saturday, October 3, which officials say was targeted at mixed household groups and where a mix of loud music, singing, shouting and dancing led to a breakdown of social distancing.
Police and licensing officers who visited the premises also observed customers being allowed to finish their drinks after the 10pm time limit and the pub owner not taking appropriate action to address this and other concerns.
This was not the first time police and licensing officers have had cause to visit the pub
previous direction, issued to the pub on September 24, raised concerns among other things about the way food and drink were being served, seating arrangements and customers being served after 10pm.
T h e re h ad a l s o b e e n a number of letters and phone calls advising the owner of th e g u i d a n c e a n d reg u l ations and how to operate a covid-secure business, following reports from members of the public about loud music, large groups congregating, poor management of social distancing around the toilets and lack of sanitising stations.
Sunderland City Council Leader Coun Graeme Miller said: "Much as we want to support our hospitality sector and continue to make the case for more financial assistance for them, we cannot have licensed premise.sputting their customAers’ safety at risk.
"This is not a decision we have taken lightly.
" We have been working closely with licensed premises throughout the pandemic to provide them with the advice and support they need to mitigate the transmission of the virus.
"While the vast majority of pubs, clubs, restaurants and takeaways are operating safely, it is clear that a small number are not and we will not hesitate to take action against those we find flouting the rules and ignoring our advice."