Hartlepool health bosses and police to make coronavirus checks on town's bars

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Public Protection Team and Cleveland Police’s Licensing Team will be visiting venues in the town centre and Marina from this evening, Friday, September 11, and then during the weekend.

In a joint operation, they will ensure they are following the coronavirus safety rules, including implementing social distancing, hygiene and Track and Trace arrangements - and offer any advice if needed.

The checks come as coronavirus cases in Hartlepool continue to rise and the town faces the prospect of another lockdown.

Hartlepool’s latest weekly case figures show a rate for the seven days up to Monday, September 7, stood at 52.3 per 100,000 people, which is 49 cases, compared a rate of 20.3 per 100,000 in the week and 19 cases.

Sylvia Pinkney, the council’s assistant director for regulatory services, said: “These venues where large numbers of people gather have a critical role to play in helping stop the spread of the coronavirus in Hartlepool.

“They have a legal duty to have strict and thorough measures in place to ensure their premises are Covid-secure.

“This includes social distancing, hand-washing facilities, cleaning regimes, and systems which ensure that staff are implementing these measures whether customers are present or not.

“They should also have in place robust Test and Trace mechanisms so that in the event of an outbreak, the Government’s Test and Trace system can quickly take action.

“Hartlepool’s licensed premises have done a lot of good work already to make themselves Covid-safe and we have a very good relationship with them, but it’s important that we continue to work in partnership to support them.

“Working together we can keep customers safe and turn the tide on the coronavirus.”

Licensed premises in Hartlepool have been issued with action cards outlining the steps they must take in the event of any suspected or confirmed cases of the virus associated with their premises.

They should also be recording customers’ contact details as part of the Test and Trace system.

If you’re a customer and a licensed premises doesn’t record your contact details, please ask them to. If you are still concerned, call the Council’s Public Protection Team on 01429 284024 or email [email protected].

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