Northampton bar fined after 'string of breaches' against Covid restrictions

A bar in Northampton has been fined after failing to comply with the Government's Covid-19 restrictions.

Jimmy's Sports Bar in Harlestone Road, St James has been served with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice after several visits from Environmental Health Officers.

The latest visit took place on Saturday (October 3) when officers reported they had found customers standing in groups, when Government guidance states customers should only consume food and drink when seated. The owner of the bar disputes that customers were stood in groups.

According to Northampton Borough Council, there were a 'string of breaches' prior to this weekend, after each one officers provided the owner with advice and warned that continued non-compliance would result in enforcement.

A Northampton Borough Council spokesman said: “The owners of Jimmy’s Sports Bar have repeatedly breached the Government’s guidance, despite regular visits, advice and warnings from our environmental health team.

“When our staff visited on Saturday, they witnessed further disregard for safety and, following a review of previous contact we’ve had with the premises, were left with no choice other than to issue a fixed penalty notice.

“Across the country, we are seeing a worrying increase in Covid-19 infection rates, and everyone has a responsibility to do all they can to tackle this.

“We have so far followed the accepted approach of engaging with businesses, explaining the guidance to them and encouraging them to follow it, before we consider enforcement.

“For the safety of all Northampton residents, we just can’t allow businesses to ignore the rules, particularly when they have received numerous prior warnings.”

The notice was served under regulation 4(b) (1) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) No. 2 (England) Regulations 2020. Business owners will face court action if fines issued under this regulation are not paid.

The owner of the bar disputes the breach was due to customers standing as he said 'this was not the case'. He has been contacted for further comment.

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