Senior councillor slams Calderdale businesses failing to abide by Covid-19 restrictions

Across Calderdale, three public houses and a private members’ club and a barber's shop have been served closure notices since restrictions were introduced by Government during the coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic last month.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, Susan Press, has warned that more severe penalties may be brought against businesses including prohibition notices, revocation of alcohol licences and fines.

She said: "Since these restrictions were introduced, four closure notices have been served on three public houses and one private members club.

“Investigations into these establishments are ongoing and the premises and relevant persons may be subject to further enforcement action.

“This could include the issuing of prohibition notices and the revocation of alcohol licenses.

“Fines can also be issued and there is no upper limit to the fines given to businesses who continue to ignore restrictions.

“These restrictions are in place for a reason and it’s imperative we all do all we can to follow national guidance on social distancing – helping reduce the spread of the virus and reduce the mounting pressure on our National Health Service."

On Twitter on Friday, Council Senior Environmental Health Officer Dave Dunbar posted: “It’s simple really, pubs in Calderdale need to stay closed.”

He said officers from West Yorkshire Police in Halifax and the council’s Community Safety team had to serve one of the coronavirus notices and urged people to stay in their homes.

Today Mr Dunbar tweeted that they had to serve another notice, this time at a barber’s shop.

Coun Press (Labour, Todmorden) said the restrictions were in place for a reason and it was vital people followed Government advice on social distancing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

She confirmed a number of businesses, including pubs, were told to close from March 21, as part of the Government’s drive to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and said Calderdale Council is working with West Yorkshire Police and other agencies to ensure this strict closure directive is followed and officers from the Community Protection Team and partners are monitoring compliance.