Over half of Barking & Dagenham businesses not compliant to Covid-19 rules

Council enforcement officers visited 270 businesses across the last two weeks

More than half of businesses in Barking and Dagenham have not been compliant to Covid-19 regulations, according to the local authority.

Barking and Dagenham Council found around 55% of businesses in the borough are still not following government rules introduced to stop the spread of the virus.

Council enforcement officers visited 270 businesses across the last two weeks where concerns have been raised about coronavirus related issues.

Fixed Penalty Notices of £1000 each were given to 10 companies found to have continued to flout the rules.

The Royal Oak pub, in Longbridge Road, was visited and issued with a closure notice, after an incident where a young man was stabbed.

Following the incident, CCTV footage was viewed and enforcement officers observed at least 10 people standing at the bar and a large group sat on the table behind them.

The footage also shows no social distancing, no masks being worn and no table service taking place as well as the premises staying open beyond 10pm.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “It really is such a shame to still see so many businesses not following the coronavirus rules.

“We understand it is a tough time for businesses, but we all have to work together to beat this horrific virus.

“With the Royal Oak it’s clear that they have just completely dismissed the rules and have been acting as normal.

“We don’t want to temporarily close businesses but we will if we need to, like we have done here.”

The notice came into effect at 6pm on Tuesday, 27 October.

Residents who know of a business flouting the rules, can report them online at www.lbbd.gov.uk/covidabuse.

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