Shrewsbury pub closed for flouting Covid-19 rules

A Shrewsbury pub has been closed by Shropshire Council after it was found to be breaching Covid-19 guidelines.

The council took action against The Rock and Fountain following what it says were significant failures to comply with key Cocid-19 safety measures.

Evidence showed breaches in relation to social distancing, mixing of households and other Covid-19-secure measures designed to keep customers and staff safe.

The pub was closed through a Direction issued in accordance with The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020.

The Direction will remain in place until Monday 11 January 2021, but will be reviewed beforehand to determine whether there is evidence of improvements that would justify revoking the closure.

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, place planning and regulatory services, said:

“Businesses have a responsibility – not only to their staff and customers – but to the wider community, and there must be consequences when Cocid-19 guidance is simply ignored. This is serious and Shropshire Council will continue to work with West Mercia Police to enforce the restrictions.

“Reports had been made to the council that The Rock and Fountain Inn failed to comply with the regulations or follow Government guidance, and was operating with no regard for social distancing or public health.

“The way in which this pub was being run was endangering the public by risking the spread of Covid-19.”

Frances Darling, Shropshire Council’s trading standards and licensing operations manager, said:

“It is regrettable that action had to be taken to close a business, particularly in the current climate where many businesses are struggling to recover.

“The council has previously advised the pub, but guidance was ignored and safe working practices have continued to be breached.  In light of the risks to public safety action was taken accordingly.

“This course of action was certainly not taken lightly. I do hope that this will act as a deterrent to any premises that may still be breaching Covid-19 restrictions; we are taking such matters extremely seriously and will use the enforcement tools at our disposal when there is a blatant disregard for the rules that put people at risk.”