Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are reminding local people that meeting indoors is contrary to Covid-19 guidelines and runs the risk of fines for both individuals and business owners.
With infection rates in Trafford remaining high and the new Covid-19 variant making indoor transmission more likely, both the Council and GMP are increasing visits to businesses to reduce breaches to the rules and help keep people safe.
Last week GMP issued fixed penalties of £1000 to the Assistant Manager and £200 to four customers at the Old Plough pub on Green Lane in Sale, where people were found to be drinking on the premises.
Cllr Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Covid-19 Recovery and Reform said:
“The new strain of Covid-19 is very infectious and particularly so indoors. It may seem innocent enough to meet a few friends for a drink but the reality is you could be putting their health, and your own, at risk.
At a time when our hospitals are under severe strain from the level of Covid-19 admissions, and the number of deaths from the virus is high, we all need to be doing our bit to reduce the number of infections in circulation in the community.
We understand that lockdown is not easy and demands sacrifices from businesses and residents, but our duty is to protect the public. Where we have to take enforcement action to keep the rate of transmission down, we will not hesitate to do so.”
Shan Nasim, Chief Inspector for Greater Manchester Police, Trafford district said:
“We are working really hard to act in a proportionate way with our communities in this situation, but those who flagrantly disregard rules will be dealt with robustly.”
If you have any concerns about a business in Trafford not complying with the Covid-19 requirements, please email environmental.health@trafford.gov.uk
Businesses that have had to close during the current lockdown and previous restrictions may be eligible for financial assistance via business support grants. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found on the Trafford Council website.
Posted on Thursday 28th January 2021