Police cracking down on Covid-19 rules in bars

The Hartlepool Community Safety Team are reminding pubs and clubs that they will be monitoring them, warning them that breaches could cost them their licence.

The team comprises staff from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade.

Following reports of assaults last weekend and concerns about large gatherings, police are also introducing a dispersal order covering Hartlepool town centre, to the border with Durham and Stockton to the south, all the way to the east coast.

Businesses are expected to limit numbers allowed inside their premises and to offer table service only in a bid to help in the fight against Covid-19.

This means that police can disperse large groups from the area for a period of 48 hours. Anyone not complying, or returning to the area within that period, can be arrested.

Hartlepool Community Safety Team inspector, Matt Reeves, said: “We want to send out a clear message that we won’t tolerate antisocial behaviour and associated crime.

“We’re committed to ensuring Hartlepool is a safe place to live, work and socialise and we want to reassure people that we’re taking action to tackle issues the public have reported to us.

“The dispersal order is a necessary and proportionate measure to deter and prevent crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour - as well as helping keep the public safe from infection.

“I know that the majority of people enjoying a night out will support our efforts and our aim is still very much to engage with people, explain why the measures are in place, encourage them to abide by them and only use enforcement as a last resort.”

Councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “We want a night out in Hartlepool to be a safe and enjoyable experience, and I welcome the powers that this Dispersal Order gives us.

“Its introduction is a positive and proactive step that directly addresses some of the concerns residents have around the night-time economy.

“I would appeal to everyone to behave themselves and act responsibly at all times and then hopefully it won’t be necessary to use the powers this order gives us.”

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