Eight Sheffield takeaways fined £1,000 for breaching government’s strict coronavirus rules

They were issued with fixed penalty notices for breaching the Government’s 10pm curfew, which was introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Sheffield Council said eight businesses had been served with notices over the last few days following reports from members of the public and spot checks by licensing officers.

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It claimed the takeaways had ignored the advice and warning letters sent to hospitality venues across the city, outlining the latest restrictions.

The council would not name the businesses, but said four were located on London Road; two on West Street, in the city centre; one on the Wicker; and another on Firth Park Road.

Steve Lonnia, the council’s head of licensing, said: “As well as all the guidance available from the Government, we have issued advice to support our hospitality businesses to be Covid compliant.

“There is no excuse for any business to breach the rules which are in place to keep people safe, prevent the spread of infection and keep our city open.

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"We will continue to monitor and investigate businesses to make sure they are doing their bit and in the case of takeaways, unless they comply with the 10pm curfew and the regulations with regards to delivery and collections we will be forced to take further action.”

Under national coronavirus regulations, all pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and takeways are required to close between 10pm and 5am, though takeaway food can still be delivered or picked up via click-and-collect or drive-through services outside these hours.

Firms breaching the rules can be fined £1,000 for a first offence, which doubles with a second notice, rises to £4,000 for a third breach and to £10,000 for a fourth offence.

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But it said licensing officers are following up on ‘several’ other premises which may face enforcement action if they are found to be flouting the regulations.

Sheffield MP Clive Betts earlier this week said takeaways in Sheffield were the worst offenders when it came to not complying with the rules.

Greg Fell, Sheffield’s director of public health, said: “Given the increasing rate of infection it is more important than ever that businesses stick to the current guidance. We want the city to remain open and the only way this can happen is if we all play our part.

"I know this is a very difficult time for the hospitality industry, but if people do not comply, the alternative will be far worse than the current 10pm curfew. I cannot stress enough the seriousness of our situation and hope the fines issued demonstrate that we won’t allow breaches like this to continue.”

Sheffield was this week placed into Tier 2 lockdown, which means that in addition to the rules which were already in place, different households are banned from mixing indoors.

Businesses affected by the new measures can contact the council’s Business Sheffield Advisors on 0114 224 5000 or [email protected].

You can report concerns about businesses failing to comply with regulations by emailing [email protected].