Trafford Council is enforcing Government legislation requiring all but the most essential businesses close to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Council has written to several businesses in the borough reminding them of the rules following the Government’s latest communication regarding closures.
The closures are now enforceable by law in England and Wales due to the threat to public health. A business operating in contravention of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closures) Regulations 2020 will be committing an offence.
The new requirements to close include the following businesses:
- All shops – apart from supermarkets and convenience stores, chemists, petrol stations and a limited number of other exceptions.
- Hotels and guest houses
- Restaurants and cafes, including workplace canteens, but not including those in hospitals, schools, care homes or those serving homeless people.
- Public houses, bars and members’ clubs.
- Cinemas and theatres
- Bingo halls
- Betting shops
- Libraries
- Hairdressers and other beauty/ personal care salons.
The full range of compulsory closures and exceptions is set out in a Government Guidance Note. If there are queries about business opening or to report a business which should be closed, please contact: licensing@trafford.gov.uk
There is help for businesses forced to close because of the pandemic. The government is in the process of introducing a number of measures to support local businesses at this time and you can keep up to date with these on the GOV.UK support for businesses webpage.
Within Greater Manchester there are a range of resources and guidance available from the Business Growth Hub which includes ten steps to take now and access to informative webinars. Trafford Council also has a dedicated Business web page for all the latest local business advice and support in light of Covid-19. For any further guidance on these resources please contact: business@trafford.gov.uk
Cllr Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform said:
It is vital that retailers, businesses and residents abide by these new measures which are being put in place for all our safety.” Trafford Council: Working together to build the best future for all our communities/ everyone in Trafford. You can find out more about us by visiting www.trafford.gov.uk
While the new regulations will be strictly enforced, we are confident that everyone understands why they are necessary and will keep to them.
“We also understand this is an incredibly difficult time for all those affected by these enforced closures – and so for that reason we will do everything possible to assist with accessing the national and local help available.”
Posted on Wednesday 25th March 2020