A pub in Ludlow has become the first in the county to be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) by Shropshire Council for breaching COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Recent reports received, and monitoring undertaken by council officers, found that the pub – which cannot be named for legal reasons – was selling alcohol from its premises and allowing customers to remain adjacent to the premises whilst drinking. Under current England lockdown laws this is not permitted at pubs.
Current restrictions are in place to limit social contact and halt the spread of coronavirus.
The authority has not named the pub which has been fined.
Frances Darling, Shropshire Council’s trading standards and licensing operations manager, said: “The council takes no pleasure in issuing fines and I’m extremely disappointed that we have had to resort to issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice in the case of a Ludlow premises. However, the risks for our Shropshire communities are far too serious for us not to take an extremely robust enforcement position. I must warn licensees that significant contraventions will inevitably lead to enforcement action. Repeat offenders may see their premises licence reviewed, which may ultimately lead to their licence being revoked.
Shropshire Superintendent Mo Lansdale, said: “The majority of people and establishments are adhering to the legislation and we are ever grateful to them for following the restrictions. We know it is an extremely stressful and worrying time for so many in our community. However, every one of the regulations is in place for the public’s health and safety.
“We will continue to engage with the public and encourage them to follow the regulations, but in cases where people and businesses do breach the legislation, enforcement action will be taken. This is ultimately to save lives.
“Again, thank you to all of you who are adhering to the restrictions.”
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