Woolwich pub and takeaways fined £1,000 over breaches to 10pm curfew

A £1,000 fixed penalty notice has been issued to a pub – and takeaways have also been punished – after a sting by officials over the 10pm curfew.

Abel Nsinga of the Albion pub in Woolwich Church Street, had to pay the fine after advice provided by the council during a visit on September 24 was not fully responded to.

The government announced a number of new regulations last month, which includes the requirement that businesses selling food or drink remain closed between 10pm and 5am.

Businesses may open after 10pm for delivery only and no customers should be on site after this time.

In licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from a table, and not at the bar.

It is also now a legal requirement to display the NHS QR code poster which will help trace and stop the spread of Covid-19.

In the days leading up to the new legislation, the council has been raising awareness of the rules among businesses.

Following the government’s announcement, the council has been visiting businesses to provide advice and ensure they are following the regulations.

More than 50 businesses were visited over the weekend of September 25-27 and a number of takeaway premises were found to be open after 10pm.

Community protection warnings under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act have been formally issued to six takeaways found to be operating in breach of current requirements.

These warnings will be followed up with enforcement notices and/or penalty fines for further non-compliance.

Two incidents in Trafalgar Road reported to the council are now under investigation and could lead to fines for the business owners.

Businesses could be fined up to £10,000 for failing to abide by Covid-secure regulations.

A statement from Greenwich council said: “This weekend, council officers will be visiting businesses across Royal Greenwich to ensure they are complying with the law that requires them to close at 10pm.

“Enforcement action will be taken against businesses that deliberately flout the rules.”

If you have concerns that a business is not following the government regulations, you can report suspected breaches to health@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

Pictured top: The Albion pub in Woolwich Church Street