Customers urged to go elsewhere if venues don’t stick to Covid rules

Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward has warned against businesses showing “fatigue” in enforcing the Covid-19 regulations days after a second venue in the city had its licence suspended.

PBs in Hockley was closed after West Midlands Police forced a review of the licence for its failure to make changes to keep its customers socially distanced and safe.

Ward encouraged people visiting bars and restaurants to vote with their wallets and take their business elsewhere if venues were not meeting their responsibilities.

He said: “A little bit of fatigue has entered into the system the longer we’ve been able to have bars and restaurants open. I’d remind anybody running a bar or restaurant, you must take the name and contact details of your guests.

“Our advice to the public is if that does not happen to you when you go into a bar and restaurant, go elsewhere, because you are being placed at greater risk.”

Waheed Saleem, the deputy police and crime commissioner, highlighted that police were having to deal with illegal raves and street parties, as well as venues that were failing to confirm with the regulations.

“We have been going to a couple of wedding venues and people are holding large weddings,” he said.

“I urge them to think again, I understand people want to get married – and I’m not stopping people from getting married – however, they need to do it in a sensible way and within the guidelines.

“If people follow the guidelines now, hopefully in the future they may be able to have large parties and gatherings and celebrate with all their families and friends.”