A RESTAURANT has been issued with a warning after police found diners were flouting social distancing rules.

Officers with Essex Police and Colchester Council’s licensing team visited the Pavilion restaurant, in Middleborough, Colchester, on Saturday.

Licensing officers issued the restaurant with a notice in relation to Covid-19 breaches around social distancing.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for public safety, said: “It is important that landlords understand that we will take action against them if we find they operate in breach of the rules.

“They face the potential of an unlimited fine, if they fail to comply with the notice, as well as the possibility that we will review their licence.

“Most premises in the borough are implementing the necessary measures to protect people’s safety, thanks in no small part to our efforts to communicate the guidelines to businesses and residents.

“Unfortunately, however, despite our efforts, a small number of businesses are still not complying.

“The public will be reassured to know that we will continue to work in partnership with other authorities to monitor premises, respond to reports of any potential breaches and take the necessary action against those who flout the regulations.”

He added: “It is vital we all continue to work together to protect one another from this deadly virus.

“Preventing the spread locally is our number one priority.”

Gazette:

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Our officers and officers from the Colchester Council licensing team attended a restaurant in Middleborough, Colchester on Saturday.

“They identified breaches of the Government’s Covid-19 regulations and our officers removed a number of people from the restaurant.”

A spokesman for the Pavilion said the safety of guests and employees is a “number one priority.”

He said: “All our guests are reminded at the time of making their reservations that their bookings must comply with the current Tier 2 regulations which are detailed on our website’s reservations page.

“In addition to this, all guests are required to sign a disclaimer when visiting Pavilion to confirm once again that all members of their party are from a single household and a support bubble pursuant to the current Tier 2 government regulations.

“We also have extensive signage within the venue reminding our guests to maintain social distancing at all times and wear face masks.

“We appreciate that some guests may find these steps tedious and repetitive but they are done with our best intentions.”