Pubs warned they must follow coronavirus rules
Pubs and restaurants have been warned they must follow measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
There have been numerous reports of customers not being asked for their details as they enter pubs, causing concern among officials.
Council chiefs in Wolverhampton have told pubs, bars and restaurants they must follow the rules put in place since reopening on July 4, which include taking all customers' details so they can be contacted in the event of an outbreak and ensuring customers only socialise in groups of up to two households indoors.
Venues have been closed down in other parts of the country after being linked to a Covid-19 outbreak. Managers have also been warned that any business found to be operating dangerously could be shut down.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton Council's public health boss, said: "It is the responsibility of every business and employer to take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of Covid-19 and keep their customers safe.
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“For pubs, bars and restaurants, that means ensuring they are complying with their existing licensing conditions as well as the new guidance brought in to allow licensed premises to reopen safely.
"In particular, businesses are required to capture customers' contact details for NHS Test and Trace; it's really important that they are doing this, whether this is when customers book a table or when they arrive at the pub or restaurant.
"I would also urge all customers to ensure they provide their contact details either when booking or on arrival; in doing so, they will be protecting themselves, their family and the wider community.
"All businesses in Wolverhampton need to act responsibly to limit the spread of Covid-19. The vast majority are doing an incredible job in the most difficult of circumstances and I would like to thank them for their continuing efforts which will help us to avoid a local lockdown.
“However, if we do find premises aren’t operating safely we can close them down in conjunction with the police. We have yet to use these powers and we really hope that businesses will continue to follow Government guidance on keeping customers and staff safe."
