Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has issued its first Premises Closure Notice to a licensed premises within the County Borough for failure to comply with COVID-19 guidance and regulations.
Using its designated powers, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has imposed, with immediate effect, a Premises Closure Notice on Players Sports Bar, 2-3 Broadway, Pontypridd, CF37 1BA, for failure to comply with the obligations imposed by Regulation 12 (2) ‘Reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Specifically on Sunday, September 6, CCTV footage witnessed:
- Patrons stood within premises, not sat at tables as per guidance
- Groups of patrons standing or sitting at bar, not seated at tables as per guidance
- Patrons seen hugging and kissing one another and walking to different groups within premises, not adhering to social distancing measures
- Bar staff seen cleaning tables but not chairs where customers had previously sat.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “I would encourage all pubs and bars to work with the Council in implementing and adhering to the Regulations.
“This is not about being difficult or imposing unnecessary restrictions, but it is about keeping people safe, stopping the risk of transmission and potentially saving lives.
“Where premises are found to not comply with the Regulations, Council Officers will have my full support in taking the necessary action to ensure compliance.”
90 confirmed cases have now been reported in RCT over the last seven days and to avoid a local lockdown situation, as has been seen in Caerphilly, residents and businesses to be responsible and play their part by observing the basic guidance, maintaining social distancing and washing hands regularly, and wearing a face covering whenever possible.
The Council has also this week issued improvement notices to seven supermarkets across the County and Officers are closely monitoring licensed premises to ensure they are adhering to the guidelines.
