Praise for Liverpool businesses “taking COVID seriously’

Council chiefs have praised a number of businesses across Liverpool after unannounced visits revealed 95.7 per cent of those inspected have implemented Covid-safe measures.

From Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September, Liverpool City Council’s Licensing Team visited 70 pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in the evening to make sure the government recommended measures were in place to protect customers and staff.

Only three premises did not reach the satisfactory standards, whereas 67 businesses had clear policies in place which included social distancing, the availability of hand sanitizer, track and trace was implemented, any music being played was at an acceptable noise level and there was no evidence of vertical drinking – this means that people were not standing up drinking and all customers were seated.

The three premises that were not fully complying with the guidance were issued advice which they immediately followed – these included spacing out tables and turning the volume of music down.

At every venue visited, the team took the opportunity to talk to staff and management about the new government guidelines which come in to force today restricting the hospitality industry to table service and will see venues close from 10pm to 5am.

ICYMI – 'We're on the precipice of going into a local lockdown.'

As #COVID19 numbers continue to rise in the region, watch our Licensing Enforcement Team make sure pubs, bars and restaurants on Smithdown Road are doing everything they can to stop the spread of the virus. pic.twitter.com/jKOGLAkmvQ

— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) September 14, 2020

Across the weekend the licensing team also visited taxi ranks in Stanley Street, Ranelagh Street, Hanover Street, Great Charlotte Street, Dawson Street and North John Street. All vehicles were checked and no issues were found at the time of the team’s visits.

Market traders were also inspected and again, no issues were found.

Chair of Liverpool’s Licensing Committee, Councillor Christine Banks, said:

“The results from the weekend are massively reassuring and shows that businesses are taking this situation seriously and are putting the health of their customers and their staff first.

“As Covid-19 cases rise in the city we all must play our part in reducing the spread of the virus. We want people to continue to go out and enjoy themselves, and it’s essential that when they do, they are visiting a restaurant, pub or bar – that business is doing everything it can to reinforce the Government’s measures.

“The team will continue to be out and about as we all get to grips with the new rules, and will be on hand to work with businesses and give them any help and advice they need.”

If anyone has concerns that a venue is not Covid-safe, they can email Environmental.health@liverpool.gov.uk.

For more information about the new Coronavirus restrictions, read the FAQs here.