A Harlow pub is under threat of closure having been served a final warning for failing to adhere to coronavirus safety regulations.

The Chequers, in Market Street, has been accused of flouting government guidelines and have been issued a final warning under the Coronavirus Act 2020, which grants the government emergency powers to handle the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr Danny Purton, Harlow Council’s portfolio holder for environment, said the the move represents the “last chance saloon” for the pub in Old Harlow.

The Chequers was served the warning by Essex County Council’s director of public health Dr Mike Gogarty on September 17.

The pub must now take measures to ensure basic Covid-safety measures are in place. If they do not do so, the council will consider closing the premises.

Cllr Purton said: “The majority of businesses in Harlow are complying with the rules, but we warned several weeks ago that action will be taken against businesses that fail to work with us and other agencies to make improvements.

“I know some will say that the pub has already been given too many chances with continued breaches, but there is a legal process that has to be followed to get to this point.

“The health and safety of all is our number one priority and we must work together to ensure we do what we can to limit the spread of this virus.”

Pub management will now have to ensure that all customers, other than those in the gardens, are seated at all times unless they are travelling to and from the bar or toilet.

Customers are banned from dancing, singing, or mingling with other groups while a hard cap of no more than 26 persons inside, and 70 in the garden has been imposed on the pub.

Any music must be played at low volumea so that no has to raise their voice in order to hold a conversation with someone two metres away.

Dr Gogarty added: “It is disappointing that this pub has not ensured that their premises are Covid-safe and that this action is therefore necessary.

“The Coronavirus Restrictions Regulations give us the power to step in and ensure people are being protected. We need to take collective responsibility for preventing future spread of the virus.

“Most businesses are working really hard to ensure adherence to Covid-19 regulations, they want to protect customers and minimise the risk of a lockdown and we must not allow the actions of a few to undermine this."

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