Pub served with COVID prohibition notice following COVID breaches

A Grimsby pub has become the first venue in North East Lincolnshire to receive a COVID Prohibition Notice, formally preventing the premises from doing normal business under the current restrictions.

The Mariner’s Rest pub in Grimsby was served with the Prohibition Notice on Wednesday evening following an incident last weekend. The Notice was issued as a public safety measure. Officers from Humberside Police aattended the premises on Albion Street in Grimsby following complaints. When they arrived, officers witnessed about 20 people fleeing from the premises.

The Prohibition Notice, served by Licensing Officers from North East Lincolnshire Council under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (SI. 2020 No. 1374), can prevent a shop or licensed premises from opening if they contravene specific requirements and orders them to cease this trading immediately. Failure to comply with the restrictions of the regulations, without reasonable excuse, is a criminal offence carrying a financial penalty of up to £5,000 upon conviction.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Following reports from Humberside Police of breaches of COVID legislation at the Mariner’s Rest Pub in Grimsby, we can confirm that Council officers have served a prohibition notice on the premises.

“This notice requires the premises to cease trading immediately, in line with current Government COVID legislation. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.

“Lots of businesses are struggling under the current circumstances, but irresponsible behaviour like this increases the chance of the virus spreading, puts people’s lives at risk and undermines the efforts of those businesses that remain closed despite the financial implications for them.”

The current national lockdown restrictions mean that pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues are required to close for all business except to provide food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect and drive-through. All food and drink (including alcohol) can continue to be provided by delivery.