Caerphilly Council is working to support businesses to operate within the new guidance and taking action against those who are found to be non-compliant.
New Red Chilli restaurant in Blackwood was visited by Trading Standards and Licensing following a complaint on 14th September, which resulted in the issue of an improvement notice.
The inspection revealed a number of failings which included;
- No systems in place to record Track and Trace data
- Failure to ensure the arrangement of seating area in such a way to guarantee 2 metres separation was maintained
The restaurant must correct these failures within 48 hours or face closure.
The Trading Standards, Licensing and Environmental Health Teams have been proactively visiting licensed premises and responding to reports of non-compliance at other business premises which have increased significantly following the new restrictions placed on Caerphilly county borough.
Local businesses are expected to;
- Ensure social distancing is maintained
- Employees wear masks or face coverings inside premises where appropriate
- Enforce the wearing of face coverings for customers inside their premises
- Enhance hygiene routines
The full list can be found on the Welsh Government website
Enhanced powers have been awarded to local authority Public Protection services to take action against businesses found to be in breach of the law which could result in closure of premises.
Cllr. Nigel George Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection said, “We are supporting businesses to both understand and comply with the law, these rules are in place to protect both employees and the public. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure they are compliant as we will take action against those found to be in breach of the law.”
