Police shut pub without track and trace system
APUB in Stockport has been ordered to close after police found groups drinking at the bar and no track and trace system in place.
Officers visited The Royal Oak in Castle Street, Edgeley, on Saturday, September 12, following a complaint from a member of the public.
The manager was given a warning after ‘ officers found that there were no track and trace measures in place and people were drinking in groups at the bar’, according to a statement by Stockport Council.
He gave assurances that the correct procedures would be put in place, according to council bosses.
But the pub was visited the following day and ‘no noticeable improvements had been made’.
A direction order was served, which stipulates that the pub should close.
It will be kept under regular review.
Failure to comply with the order may result in a fine being given or another direction order being issued.
A spokesman for Stockport Council said: “Residents who are visiting pubs should remember to keep two metres apart where possible, regularly wash or sanitise your hands regularly and leave track and trace details with the venue.
“You should also follow the latest restrictions on the number of other people you should meet with as a group - no more than six people unless you all live together (or are in the same support bubble).
“The majority of businesses in Stockport have been working with the Council adhering to the new Covid-secure measures in place to help stop the spread of the virus in the borough when cases are currently on the rise.”
Coun Sheila Bailey, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport, said: “This was a shocking example where little regard was being paid to the welfare of customers, staff and the wider public.
“The Council understands that it is a challenging environment for the hospitality trade and we have been working very closely with businesses who are keen to do the right thing. In this case we felt that case the only option was to close the premises until we are satisfied that safe measures are in place.”