SOME customers of bars and restaurants are refusing to comply with Covid safety measures and are even becoming aggressive when confronted.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has received a number of complaints from hospitality venues which are enforcing government imposed rules – scheduled to end on July 19 – to control the spread of the virus.
But several bar, pub and restaurant managers have seen customers object to the legal requirement to check into venues using the NHS test and trace app or leave their contact details. In other cases people have objected to wearing face coverings indoors.
And a few cases have even seen staff threatened by customers not willing to comply.
Council chiefs are urging residents to help businesses through this difficult time as the county emerges from lockdown and venues re-open.
They are also reminding customers it is a legal requirement for hospitality venues to have a system in place to request and record contact details of customers, visitors and staff to help prevent the spread of Covid.
Hospitality venues usually have the NHS QR code displayed and a paper-based system for anyone who does not have access to the NHS COVID-19 app. Failure to comply could lead to the venue having to pay a fine of up to £10,000.
Warwickshire health spokeswoman Coun Margaret Bell said: “Please respect and the support the staff at the bars, pubs and restaurants that you’re spending time in. Landlords can’t risk getting a fine of up to £10,000 – that kind of cost could be make or break for many smaller venues and none of us want to see our favourite locals shutting their doors permanently.
It’s great to be back enjoying our local pubs, bars and restaurants and we all want to see Warwickshire getting back to normal.
“It’s been a difficult year for so many businesses across the county, particularly hospitality venues, so it’s vital that we protect them and help them to stay open.
“When you’re visiting your local, you must check in at the venue to help control the spread of the virus. I understand that it can be frustrating to have to do this every time you visit a hospitality venue however it is a small price to pay to keep them open in the long run.”
Dr Shade Agboola, Director of Public Health Warwickshire said It was crucial people could be informed if they had been exposed to the virus so they could protect their health and that of others and subsequently help control the spread of the virus.
She added: “If you choose to go out to a bar or restaurant, you’ll need to play your part and scan the NHS QR code or leave your contact details. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s still important as it helps keep other customers and the venue staff safe all whilst helping the hospitality venues to stay open.
“I would also like to encourage residents who are planning to meet with others at a bar or restaurant to take an LFT (rapid test) in advance (up to 24 hours before) as part of their twice weekly routine testing.”
For further information on the latest COVID-19 guidelines go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
