Pub and restaurant closed after flouting Covid restrictions

A pub and a restaurant in Rushcliffe have been shut down after ignoring lockdown laws by serving alcohol to customers inside.

The owners of the Wheatsheaf Inn in Cropwell Bishop and Indian Nights in East Bridgford have also been given £1,000 fines, while three customers found drinking at the Wheatsheaf were each given £200 fines.

The prohibition notice means both premises are banned from allowing even takeaway customers to enter.

Nottinghamshire Police officers found three people sitting drinking with the landlord present when they visited the Wheatsheaf on Wednesday (27 January).

A customer was also 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.

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.

A further £200 fixed penalty notice was also issued to the owner for obstruction of a council officer but the venue has since worked positively with the council following the breach.

Both businesses have now also received a prohibition notice, ensuring they cannot allow individuals to enter the premises to consume food or drink.

Rushcliffe Borough Council leader Councillor Simon Robinson said: “It is shocking to see two 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.”