Business receives a direction order for breaching Covid-19 guidelines

A pub in Edgeley has become the first business to be shut by authorities in Stockport after breaching Covid-19 guidelines.

This week, The Royal Oak in Castle Street, Edgeley received a Direction Order after it was found to be breaching Covid-19 guidelines.

New powers from the Government means that the Council and Police may investigate reports of business premises which are failing to comply with Covid-secure risk assessments and if necessary close the premises.

Following a complaint from a member of the public, the Police visited the Royal Oak on Saturday 12 September.

Officers found that there were no track and trace measures in place and people were drinking in groups at the bar.

The manager was warned at the time and he gave assurances that the correct procedures would be put in place.

The pub was visited the following day but no noticeable improvements had been made.

The Direction Order will come in to effect immediately and stipulates that the pub should close. The Direction Order will be kept under regular review. Failure to comply with a Direction Order may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or a new direction closing the premises being issued.

Residents who are visiting pubs should remember to keep two metres apart where possible, regularly wash or sanitise your hands regularly and leave track and trace details with the venue. You should also follow the latest restrictions on the number of other people you should meet with as a group – no more than six people unless you all live together (or are in the same support bubble).

The majority of businesses in Stockport have been working with the Council adhering to the new Covid-secure measures in place to help stop the spread of the virus in the borough when cases are currently on the rise.

Cllr Sheila Bailey, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport and Ward Councillor for Stockport Council, said:

This was a shocking example where little regard was being paid to the welfare of customers, staff and the wider public.

“The Council understands that it is a challenging environment for the hospitality trade and we have been working very closely with businesses who are keen to do the right thing. In this case we felt that case the only option was to close the premises until we are satisfied that safe measures are in place.”