Officers from Solihull Council’s Regulatory Services have been checking that licensed premises, such as pubs, restaurants and clubs, are closed.

Businesses which do not follow COVID-19 restrictions will be issued with prohibition notices.

Businesses which fail to comply will receive fines and could also face the loss of their alcohol licence.

There will be no upper limit to the fines of businesses who continue to ignore restrictions.

Businesses including pubs, cinemas, theatres and casinos were told to close from 21 March, as part of the government drive to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.

Officers will work with police support if appropriate to issue prohibition notices challenging unsafe behaviours where businesses do not follow these restrictions. 

Officers will monitor compliance and businesses who fail to comply can also receive fines. Continued non-compliance could then lead to the loss of alcohol licenses.

Under the Business Closure regulations introduced on 21 March, officers will have powers to prosecute for breach of regulations.