Council closes 'reckless' Bolton restaurant as covid restriction enforcement continues
A restaurant in Bolton has been closed for its "reckless" breaching of Covid-19 regulations as local authorities continue to crack down on those flouting guidelines using new enforcement powers.
Grillaz restaurant in the Greater Manchester borough was ordered to close from 5pm yesterday (20 August) after it failed to implement social distancing controls outside the premises.
The latest closure follows action taken by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in Lancashire, which shut down two restaurants for breaching social distancing guidance.
Bolton council said its officers and police had paid several visits to the premises and issued advice, but the business failed to act.
Councillor Hilary Fairclough, executive cabinet member for environment services regulatory, said: "This business was given numerous chances to get its house in order and work with us.
"Our officers spent a lot of time visiting and advising the restaurant, but they continued to put people's lives at risk with reckless practices.
"We do not take the decision to close a business down lightly, but the health of our residents has to come first. With so much support and guidance available to help businesses open safely and responsibly, there can be no excuse for this flagrant disregard for the Covid-19 regulations.
"Additional restrictions have been imposed on Bolton for a reason and these will continue if businesses and individuals continue to act as though the rules don't apply to them.
"The council, working with our partners in the police, will take a zero-tolerance approach to any business that acts in this way."
Superintendent Rick Jackson of Greater Manchester Police added: "I hope that other food establishments will take note of the closure and understand that we will enforce if they do not comply with the latest regulations."
Bolton is currently subject to increased Covid-19 restrictions, with people banned from socialising with those from other households in indoor spaces such as pubs, bars and restaurants.
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