Neath Port Talbot Council has issued improvement notices to two local pubs after checks by council staff found non-compliance with Covid-19 safety guidelines.

The Crown Inn at Neath Road, Briton Ferry and the Smiths Arms in Main Road, Neath Abbey, will now be monitored to ensure they put the appropriate measures in place and failure to do so will result in Neath Port Talbot Council issuing a Premises Closure Notice to those licensed premises.

Regarding the Crown Inn, licensing officers found there was a failure to take reasonable measures to ensure:

• There was a person controlling entry to the premises and allocating a limited time period during which customers could stay in the premises.
• A maximum of four people from different households gathered together inside the premises.
• That face coverings were worn by staff and customers other than when seated and that close face to face interaction was limited.

Regarding the Smiths Arms, it was found there was a failure to take reasonable steps to ensure:

• There was a person controlling entry to the premises and allocating a limited time period during which customers could stay in the premises.

• That customers were seated when:
a. Ordering food or drink
b. When being served with food or drink, and
c. When consuming food or drink.

• That face coverings were worn by staff and customers other than when seated.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, Cllr Leanne Jones, said: ”Infection rates have been rising across the county borough – it is imperative that licensees and those visiting licensed premises adhere to the rules.

“The council will be taking a robust and positive approach to enforcing non-compliance to keep our communities safe and to avoid the NHS coming under severe pressure.”