Police on the Isle of Wight now have the powers to enforce the Government’s closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms and other businesses in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus across the country.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect at 14:00 yesterday (Friday 21st March) and allows the authorities to prosecute those caught defying the government’s advice during the pandemic.
The Regulations provide enforcement powers to ensure that all premises including restaurants, pubs, cafés, cinemas, nightclubs, theatres, museums, betting shops and spas – to name just a few – close or remain closed until otherwise directed by the Secretary of State.
The law does not include premises open to sell food or drink for consumption off the premises (takeaways), nor does it apply to food or drink sold by a hotel or other accommodation provider as part of room service.
Police were alerted to individuals drinking on the premises of The Waterfront on Shanklin Esplanade earlier this afternoon, despite signage stating drinks are for takeaway only. The small crowds have now dispersed but they have been seen to be drinking in shelters along the seafront, raising questions about licensing conditions.
Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers will monitor compliance with these regulations, with police support provided if appropriate. Businesses that breach them will be subject to prohibition notices, and potentially unlimited fines. As a further measure, and if needed, businesses that fail to comply could also face the loss of their alcohol license.
Umm closed?. They can still provide takeaway services. I think they just can’t open the bar and seating areas. Might be wrong though.
Too right, fine the pubs who are just not listening to the government that governs the whole of the UK, yes, we are part of the UK . Dunno if they are out right stupid or just don’t care or they want to make a few extra pounds. Probably all of the above!
Old comical sandown people in and out last night so not listening to the government to shut down
This is a woolly piece of rushed in legislation though isn’t it?
Seems largely open to ‘local’ interpretation too which on IoW is a case of God help us then given how things work over here……
Who’s face fits this week then??
its all BS – they talk of jailing people if they do not comply with the staying at home advice, should it get to that point, yet at the same time talk of letting prisoners out who are serving short sentences because they haven’t got the staff.
Now that the government is just about guaranteeing wages, most won’t want to work anyhow.
So what action have the police taken up to now?
Shut the idiots down for good
Sussex Police have told people not to phone them about venues remaining open! They can’t cope.
Thanks to the tories cutting the police numbers. All comes back to them in some way or another doesn’t it?
The weak toothless Police are of little use, we need the Army with guns to control the coming looting, burning and rioting. Wait for it to start in the ‘usual’ areas and then spread throughout the UK.
Police will be hiding under shields watching and doing nothing. The low life need to be shot instantly as soon as it starts, anything else will be seen as weakness.
Expected thumbs down, but wait and watch. Since when has huge TV’s, iphones, and trainers been essential basic human or (sub) needs?
Watch and learn, not content with stealing, no doubt torch everywhere too.
Coincidently of course, it will not occur here or other more civilised areas of the UK.