Local neighbourhood officers are working closely with partners to actively support the hospitality sector reopening their indoor spaces.
The force and Rushcliffe Council are working in partnership to produce new guidance to help staff safely welcome back customers to welcome back customer inside.
The guide has now been sent to over 200 premises across the Borough with the vital information government has set out on how to operate in a COVID secure way, as restrictions continue to lift in the coming weeks from Monday May 17.
In line with current guidelines from today food or drink may be consumed inside hospitality businesses but table service must remain in place with social distancing between tables and when using toilets and facilities and booking of a maximum of six people or two households per table.
If the premises does not serve alcohol, customers can order and collect food and drink from a counter however they must consume food and drink while seated.
Customers using the toilet or baby change facilities inside a premises must wear a face covering when doing so.
Rushcliffe Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Berry said: “We are all looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality after months of restrictions.
“Many of our pubs, cafes and restaurants will be opening indoors, including those on Central Avenue in West Bridgford and the surrounding areas.
“This is a very exciting time for people to be able to go back to their favourite haunts and meet with friends and family, but we must urge people to remain cautious.
“It’s likely to be busy, but we hope people will behave responsibly.
“People can expect to see a large number of uniformed officers on duty especially around our town centres across Rushcliffe.
“I am very keen, as are all local partners, to support businesses as recovery takes shape.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods Cllr Rob Inglis said: “It’s been such a tough time for businesses over the last year and whilst the easing of restrictions last month has helped many, we want to continue our support wherever possible.
“The latest lifting of restrictions should help boost our local cafes, restaurants and bars even further, but we are reminding business owners of their responsibilities.
“This is to ensure they are fully aware of their obligations to operate securely, particularly table service and for all customers to embrace and abide by these guidelines that still need to be in place.
“Our Environmental Health and Licensing teams are ready with assistance and advice every step of the way.”
If businesses or customers have questions or need advice, the teams are on hand with support by emailing envhealth@rushcliffe.gov.uk or calling 0115 981 9911.
No one should enter an outlet if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and in West Bridgford signage will again outline a Public Spaces Protection Order is in place outlining local rules on drinking in public spaces in the town.
Available at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/businesscoronavirus the guide highlights businesses must continue to collect contact details of all customers or direct them to the Test and Trace QR code on smart phones to log their visit to any outlet.
