Denbighshire County Council is reminding businesses
to comply with clear advice to close unless they are an essential business.
This appeal comes after the UK Government and Welsh
Government's announcements that all non-essential businesses and premises must
close from March 23 unless they fall under specific exceptions. This measure is
part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Businesses are being reminded that it is their
responsibility to check whether they must close or whether any of the limited
exceptions may apply and advised to check the government’s website for guidance
and information changes.
The council says it recognises that the majority of
businesses in Denbighshire are following the order to the letter and the
business community is to be commended for its timely response.
However, it says that this appeal is aimed at any businesses that
continue to open whilst not having an exception. This would be an offence and
could potentially place the health of the public at risk.
Officers from the council’s Public Protection
service, with police support if appropriate, will be actively monitoring
compliance, and any business that breaches the closure will be provided
with advice.
If the business continues to not comply, then they may be
subject to prohibition notices, fixed penalty notice or potential court
action.
Licensed premises that fail to comply could also face the
loss of their alcohol licence.
Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for
Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “At this unprecedented
time of change we all need to work together to protect the NHS as well as the
health and well-being of ourselves and each other.
“We recognise this is a very difficult time for
businesses and the majority of firms in Denbighshire are complying with the
order and we thank them for their public-spirited and responsible actions.
“If they have been told to close, then they should
follow guidance from the UK Government and Welsh Government to protect their
workers and the community.
“We want to also remind business owners that where
they are permitted to open they should take all reasonable measures to ensure
that individuals – customers as well as staff - stay that safe distance of 2
metres apart. Consider limiting the number of people in store and
implementing a card payment only process are just two simple ways of helping
your staff and customers.”
Whilst also giving advice to businesses the Council
are also asking the public to abide by the restrictions on individuals by not
leaving home unless absolutely necessary.
Councillor Young added: “We recognise that people
will want to go to the shop for basic necessities and that is allowed by the
Government. However, to reduce the risk we would ask people only to make
those essential trips as infrequent as possible. Most retail outlets also have
shopping facilities online and contactless service which could be used by the
public as an alternative if they do need to visit a shop.
