Sutton Council fines cafe for COVID breaches

The Borough’s Regulatory Services, working with the Metropolitan Police, was tipped off after the cafe continued to serve customers inside its premises - in clear contravention of national safety measures designed to curb the pandemic.

 Despite multiple visits, advice and warnings, the owner still allowed people to eat and drink while seated in the cafe, at times even trying to conceal the activity from officers.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, deputy leader of Sutton Council said: “We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses that continue to breach the regulations, despite our advice and guidance.

“Officers from our Environmental Health and Trading Standards team conduct patrols to help and encourage businesses to comply with the restrictions and where they are able to trade, to do so covid securely.

“Already we have conducted more than 2,000 visits or checks and the vast majority are working within the restrictions designed to protect public health.”

The current national lockdown means hospitality venues such as pubs, restaurants, and cafes are not permitted to serve food or drink for consumption inside their venues and can only be sold for takeaway or click and collect.

Support grants are available for businesses affected by local restrictions or national lockdown.

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