Hull City Council is bringing enforcement action against bars, pubs, restaurants and takeaways that remain open after the 10pm curfew.
The government brought in strict rules last month announcing that hospitality businesses had to close at 10pm as part of plans to limit the spread of coronavirus. Takeaways can still deliver food until 5am, but they cannot have any customers on their premises.
Businesses that ignore the new rules will be subject to formal enforcement.
Businesses will be subject to a £1000 fine. Continued failure to adhere to the rules could result in up to a £10,000 fine, or even closure.
Two businesses in the city have so far been issued with £1,000 fixed penalty notices after they were found to have remained open after the 10pm curfew.
Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for Public Protection, said: “The measures brought in by government are designed to protect people and control this terrible virus.
“As a local authority, we have a responsibility to residents and to businesses who adhere to the rules, and we will therefore not accept businesses that flaunt these measures.
“Our Public Protection Team has enforcement powers, which in some cases could mean that businesses that fail to respect the 10pm curfew would be forced to close.
“Nobody wants to see this, but we all know that infection rates are rising across the country and it’s as important as ever that we all remain vigilant and responsible.”
Anyone who believes that a business is failing to adhere to the 10pm curfew can report them to Hull City’s Council’s Public Protection Team here.
Businesses can find out more about the rules and guidance that is in place on the government website.
