Trafford Council has been doing much to support businesses across the borough, giving guidance on which ones are able to open and how they can continue to trade safely within the new legislation.
Compliance levels have generally been very high but during the previous spell of warm weather the Council received several complaints that some cafes and bars in the borough were allowing customers to queue up to buy alcohol in open containers without observing the rules over social distances.
As part of the rules, businesses should discourage crowding outside the premises and, where possible, use a queue management system to maintain the two metres separation. Also, alcohol must not be sold in open containers.
Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council’s Licensing staff responded by conducting joint visits to known hot spots to speak with managers about the rules. Further joint visits are planned for future weekends.
The Council has also written to businesses which sell alcohol as part of their licence to remind them that:
- People must not consume food or drinks on site at restaurants, cafés or pubs whilst waiting for takeaway food. Those venues offering takeaway or delivery services must not include alcoholic beverages in this list if their licence does not already permit.
- No orders should be taken in person on the premises – orders should be made online or by telephone;
- Customers should have staggered collection times and should be discouraged from entering the premises until their order is ready;
- Customers arriving without having already placed an order should be encouraged to leave the premises to place their order by telephone or online, and to return at a designated time for collection;
- Customers whose orders are ready should enter one at a time to collect orders and make payments.
Cllr Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform, said:
So far, most businesses have complied with the law and there have been few problems. But It is vital that everyone, businesses and their customers, do not let their guards down on this.
The Council has given all the support it can to businesses during this crisis but the law and guidance current at the time must be followed. Licensed premises which are found flouting the controls may find that this impacts their licence in the long run as we will take action. The rules are there to be followed and the Council will enforce them - the health and safety of residents is our number one priority.”
Businesses which require further information can direct enquiries to licensing@trafford.gov.uk
Posted on Friday 12th June 2020