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£2,000 Fixed Penalty Notice issued for breaching COVID restrictions

We have visited the café again today (Saturday) with the support of the police and after observing customers in the premises and using the seating areas outside, have issued a further Fixed Penalty Notice for breaching Covid restrictions - this time for £2,000.

Earlier this week they were served a prohibition notice and a Fixed Penalty Notice for obstruction under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 which requires them to stop selling food or drink for consumption on the premises, including seating outside. Failure to comply is an offence and punishable by an unlimited fine in a Magistrates court.

Yesterday they were served a £1,000 FPN for the breaching The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020. They have today been served a £2,000 FPN for a second breach.

One of the directors of the café has now been served two Fixed Penalty Notices for obstruction under the same regulations which requires them to pay £600 within 28 days.

The business has been made aware of the consequences for breaching Covid restrictions.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police added: “Officers visited the business today, 7 November, in conjunction with Plymouth City Council. All customers were asked to leave and a number of warnings were issued to patrons.

“This is and remains a matter for the local authority, however, police are closely working with them to support their enforcement against businesses who are clearly failing to comply with government COVID-19 regulations.

“Police are working with partner agencies to understand and manage community tensions and to deal with any breaches by individuals who attend non-compliant businesses for social purposes outside of the national regulations. Enforcement can be expected where necessary.

“The Force continues to maintain the approach of the 4Es to the legislation using engagement, education, encouragement and enforcement to ask members of the public to comply with the regulations.

“The public are urged to act responsibly and play their part during the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Compliance is critical for us to reduce the transmission of infection and it is of vital importance that people respect the regulations in place during the second lockdown.”