A pub and a restaurant in East Bridgford has been shut down after ignoring lockdown laws by serving drinks to customers inside.
A customer was found drinking alcohol as they waited for their food to be prepared at Indian Nights, when environmental health and licensing officers from Rushcliffe Borough Council visited on the same evening.
The owners were fined £1,000.
On inspection, council officers found over a dozen empty beer and wine bottles, leading them to believe the outlet had also previously served other customers with alcohol.
The business has now also received a prohibition notice, ensuring they cannot allow individuals to enter the premises to consume food or drink.
Rushcliffe Inspector Craig Berry said: “Nottinghamshire Police and local councils have been working together throughout the pandemic to ensure people’s safety and where people risk public safety by flouting the national legislation we will take firm action.
“We understand businesses are struggling at the moment through loss of trade but our overriding concern is keeping people safe and we have a duty to ensure the law is upheld for the benefit of the entire community.
“During these separate visits on Wednesday by the police and council, both venues were issued with a prohibition notice and a fixed penalty notice.
“We are pleased with the partnership approach and will not tolerate flouting the Covid-19 legislation and we will take positive action.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council leader Councillor Simon Robinson said: “It is shocking to see businesses breaching lockdown restrictions at a time when so many in Rushcliffe have adapted brilliantly to offer takeaway and delivery safely instead of having to resort to flouting the rules.
“In undermining the current lockdown, these venues have demonstrated complete disregard for their customers, staff and local communities at a crucial time in our fight against Covid-19.
“We will continue to advise and educate business owners as to their responsibilities and we thank the vast majority of Rushcliffe businesses for their compliance to date and for playing their part in keeping customers and staff safe.
“Covid restrictions are in place to protect everyone and we say to all business owners please do not place yourself in a position like this which is putting lives at risk. Contact us if you need support to trade.”
