Blackpool businesses praised for efforts in opening safely to the public

Since April 12 , cafes, bars and restaurants with outside space have been able to welcome customers back and non-essential retail shops have been able to open their doors again along with some self catering holiday apartments.

The police and council officers have been monitoring the situation to make sure people follow rules to curb the spread of coronavirus in the hope that infection rates stay low and a further opening up can take place from May 17.

Then, indoor hospitality should be able to open as long as customers remain seated and indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas can reopen.

The rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs can also reopen along with indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.

Coun Jim Hobson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, said: “We’ve been really impressed with the efforts of the local businesses that have been able to open up so far.

“Over the past two weekends our public protection team along with Lancashire Police have visited approximately 200 venues each weekend. More than 90 per cent of them have been compliant with the regulations.

“There have been a few minor issues where we have offered advice and when we’ve returned the appropriate changes have been made.

“Any ongoing problematic properties will continue to be monitored.

“As we go through the stages of the roadmap it is really encouraging that our local businesses are committed to welcoming residents and visitors back in a safe way.

“On our website there is a COVID checklist for businesses to help them ensure they are doing everything they can to keep themselves, their customers and staff safe.

“This page has been visited more than 20,000 times which shows reflects the efforts we are seeing on the ground to run COVID secure venues.

“Our team is more than happy to offer advice and support, we know it’s a difficult time re-opening after so long and we appreciate the efforts everyone has made so far.”

Blackpool Gazette:

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