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Reports of pubs and restaurants being open across Walsall despite lockdown

Pubs and restaurants suspected of allowing customers to eat and drink have been visited by enforcement officers amid the coronavirus lockdown.

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There are concerns people have been drinking in pubs in Walsall borough amid the coronavirus restrictions

Dozens of businesses across Walsall were visited by council officers after reports of them being open despite the restrictions.

Environmental health officers assessed and visited 24 business premises after complaints from concerned residents to both the police and council that some businesses, including pubs and restaurants were allowing customers to eat and drink on site.

Council officers made evening visits to premises at locations in the town centre, Caldmore, Bloxwich, Darlaston, Willenhall, Pelsall, Brownhills and Aldridge.

Environmental health staff checked the sites for any signs of activity, noise or music. This was repeated the following evening.

Staff reported no activity at the majority of these premises with one or two needing follow up conversations to ensure they are operating appropriately.

Correspondence is being sent to all takeaways and retailers advising them of the social distancing and business closure requirements in an effort to help reduce the impact the disease is having locally.

But reports are still coming in daily of premises as diverse as vape shops, hairdressers and gyms remaining open for business. Walsall Council and West Midlands Police are working to share intelligence on these premises.

Walsall Council is urging businesses to comply with the coronavirus restrictions - where evidence is found of a breach of these restrictions businesses could face enforcement action including being forcibly closed and an unlimited fine at court.

The council is also supported by the breweries in this matter. They are responding positively themselves by contacting licensees and reminding them of the terms of closure restrictions and government guidelines.

Businesses and residents who have concerns or would like advice on these matters can access information at walsall.gov.uk/covid-19_information/covid-19_-_i_need_help_businesses or email environmentalhealth@walsall.gov.uk

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