Police and council carry out random spot checks on Leeds bars and pubs to check Covid rules compliance

Thousands of students are preparing to head to Leeds for the start of the new university term and the expectation that venues will see an increase in trade comes as the infection rate in Leeds continues to rise.

City leaders are calling on bars, restaurants, and takeaways across the city to help to stop the spread of coronavirus, and prevent the need for further restrictions, by following COVID-secure guidelines.

Teams of police, environmental health and entertainment licensing officers are visiting 200 bars, restaurants and takeaways this week as part of a joint operation where they will offer support and advice on social distancing and safety measures and check premises have the right precautions in place.

Businesses are also being encouraged to create and display an official QR code that will work with the new NHS Coronavirus app making contact tracing easier.

Insp Andy Loftus, who heads the Leeds North West Neighbourhood Policing Team at West Yorkshire Police, said the force was trying to educate and encourage people to follow guidelines. However, it would have no hesitation taking enforcement action if there was blatant and repeated disregard of the rules.

"The guidelines are out there. For those that don't understand, our preferred option is to engage, explain, encourage. If we see that people are taking advantage of that, we will enforce. We issued fixed penalty notices to large gatherings a couple of weeks ago over bank holiday and it is something we are not afraid to utilise."

He said that police patrols were stepped up in student communties at this time of year as a matter of course, and, that he still believed students could come to the city and enjoy the student experience.

Insp Loftus added: "We have resources in this area during traditional freshers week so that (checking on venues) will form part of the traditional policing methods. Students can still have a great time in Headingley. Provide full details, stick to six or less and you can still have a great time."

Coun Mohammed Rafique, executive member with responsibility for Environmental Health at Leeds City Council, said: “Many businesses in Leeds are already taking all of the right steps to operate in a COVID secure way and protect staff and customers from coronavirus. However, at this crucial time for the city it is vital that every venue is applying these measures consistently.

“We will continue to support and advise businesses to do this. But we won’t hesitate to take enforcement action against any business that is putting public health at risk.

“Residents of all ages can stay safe and help save lives when enjoying our city’s fantastic bars and restaurants by following guidance on social distancing, handwashing, and providing their contact details when prompted. By working together and following the law, we can all help control the city’s infection rates and by doing so protect our friends, family and communities from coronavirus.”

Similar activity will also be taking place in other towns and cities across West Yorkshire. Following the new Rule of Six legislation, West Yorkshire Prepared, the region’s Local Resilience Forum, has asked partners to work collectively to ensure the implementation of the new law across the region. Local Authorities and the police have been successfully working in this way throughout the pandemic, but this is the first time a cross-regional approach has been taken with dedicated teams acting simultaneously across the county.

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Laura Collins