Four Leeds businesses fined £1k for breaking Covid Tier 2 social distancing rules

Leeds City Council issued the £1,000 fixed penalty fines to the businesses for failing to comply with the rule of six or social distancing guidelines.

One venue has been banned from holding weddings or celebratory events.

Another business has been prohibited from opening after 6pm.

The council and West Yorkshire Police have urged businesses in Leeds to stick to Covid guidelines as they carry out spot checks on venues across the city.

Enforcement teams will carry out regular visits across Beeston this week, reminding businesses of social distancing rules and offering support with safety measures.

The council thanked the "majority of businesses" across the city which have put measures in place to keep staff and customers safe.

But businesses have been reminded that if they continue to flout the rules and put the public's health at risk, they will be fined.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member with responsibility for environmental health, said: "We are grateful for the majority of businesses across Leeds who have worked incredibly hard to ensure their premises are safe for customers and staff.

"We recognise that this year continues to be an incredible challenge for business owners and we do not take action lightly, however business owners need to be aware that there are consequences for those who continue to disregard the rules.

"We are at a crucial time in our fight to control the virus and it is vital now more than ever that everyone follows all of the rules, all of the time.

"If any business needs advice or guidance please get in touch so that the council can help and support you.”

West Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Richard Padwell, of Leeds District, said: "Our licensing officers and neighbourhood policing teams are continuing to work closely with our local authority partners to ensure businesses are complying with the latest regulations and restrictions to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

"Leeds remains at a critical point and we continue to urge businesses and the people using them to play their part in keeping our communities safe by following the guidance without it getting to the stage where enforcement action is necessary.”

What's changed under Tier 2 rules?

- Now household mixing has been banned indoors anywhere. Before, you could mix households in pubs and restaurants. This is now illegal. You cannot mix households of any size indoors anywhere (apart from the exceptions below).

Police are able to fine people breaking lockdown Tier 2 restrictions up to £10,000

- Outdoor mixing was banned, but is now legal again. You can meet in a private garden or in an outdoor setting (a street, a field) as long as you keep to the rule of 6 (groups no larger than six) and maintain social distancing.

All the previous rules still apply. So there is a 10pm curfew, the rule of 6, face masks in shops, and social distancing still in effect.

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