Police in England now have the powers prosecute businesses that fail to adhere to the government’s request to close while they attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus across the country.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect at 2pm yesterday, Friday 21 March and allows the authorities to prosecute those caught defying the government’s advice during the pandemic.
The Regulations provide enforcement powers to ensure that all premises including restaurants, cafés, cinemas, nightclubs, theatres, museums, betting shops and spa to name just a few close or remain closed until otherwise directed by the Secretary of State.
The law does not include premises open to sell food or drink for consumption off the premises, nor does it apply to food or drink sold by a hotel or other accommodation provider as part of room service.
The need to remain closed will be reviewed every 28 days and the regulations will expire in six months.
If premises fail to comply then a person carrying on the business face prosecution and a fine.
Last night Wiltshire Police gave 24HR GYM gym owner Vern Montgomery ‘words of advice’ after he refused to close the fitness facility on the government’s coronavirus advice.
