Hinckley pub served closure notice

A Hinckley pub has been issued with a closure notice after a council said it failed to comply with the government’s 10pm curfew.

The Bounty, in Market Place, has been served the closure notice by Leicestershire County Council in consultation with Leicestershire Police and it will come into force from tonight.

The closure will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

Gary Connors, head of regulatory services for Leicestershire County Council said: "The pub failed to ensure it followed the order for all hospitality venues in England to close by 10pm.

There were also concerns about non-compliance with social distancing in how the venue managed a reduced number of people on the premises.

These concerns constitute a serious and imminent threat to public health and left us with no alternative but to use our new powers."
 
Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire County Council, said: “It is clear from the latest figures that cases are on the rise in much of the county and we all have a role to play in reducing the threat of the virus. We will take action where we believe it poses a health risk to residents.”

Hinckley Neighbourhood Policing Area Sergeant, James Cross, said: “We’ve been working continually with all premises across the area offering guidance and advice in relation to the government guidelines.

“While the vast majority of premises have worked with us and adhered to Health Protection Regulations, we were left with no choice but to raise our concerns with the local authority regarding The Bounty and its operation.

“The guidelines are in place to protect us all and we need to continue working together to ensure we are all protected. 

“We thank those that do continue to work with us in this way. Where we have concerns that guidelines and advice is not being followed, appropriate action will be taken.” 

The move comes at a time when coronavirus rates rose per 100,000 people in Hinckley and Bosworth, in common with other parts of the county, except for Blaby district.

Fosse 107 has contacted the pub and is awaiting a statement.