A LANDLORD has received a £10,000 and had their pub closed after flouting coronavirus restrictions.

Responding to community concerns, Essex Police, Colchester Council and the borough’s new Covid marshals visited licensed premises over the weekend.

Covid guideline breaches were found at both The Leather Bottle, in Shrub End Road, Colchester, and The Anchor, in Station Road, Tiptree.

The licensee of The Leather Bottle has been handed a £10,000 fine after officers found 25 people from multiple households mixing inside.

Read more >>> This is why two Colchester pubs have been closed by licensing team

About 15 were gathered in a single room playing pool, whilst a large group of partygoers had moved tables together to enjoy a buffet in the bar area.

On Monday the pub was ordered to close until it is Covid secure.

Officers visited The Anchor on Sunday following concerns from the public and found 30 people inside the premises beyond the 11pm curfew as part of a “lock-in”.

Gazette:

  • The Anchor in Tiptree has been closed following a breach of Covid-19 rules

During a follow-up visit licensing officers saw meals being served in a closed-side marquee, not defined as outdoor seating, and ordered the pub to close.

Mike Lilley, Colchester Council's public safety boss, said: "Once again, despite our best efforts to communicate the guidelines, a minority of premises appear to think the rules do not apply to them and have failed to implement the necessary measures to protect people’s safety.

“It is important 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."

“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 rules.”

Chief Inspector Jonathan Evans added: “The vast majority of people are doing the right thing and following the government’s regulations, so together we can fight the virus that has affected all of our lives this year.

"So many local businesses have made sacrifices to keep their customers safe and have worked really hard to adjust how they work.

“The actions of a small minority, who are not doing the same, is unfair on the local community.

“Essex Police will continue to use the same common sense approach to the regulations that we’ve had throughout the pandemic: we’ll engage with people, explain the regulations, and encourage them to do the right thing.

“We will also continue to respond to those who are committing clear and blatant breaches."

“If everyone does this, we can not only beat the virus, but it also means our police officers can focus on helping people, keeping them safe, and catching criminals.”