03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

TWO premises have received improvement notices for failing to comply with requirements aimed at reducing the risk of spreading coronavirus.

Eden Bar and Lounge and Bar 35, both on Market Street in Bridgend, were served premises improvement notices by the Shared Regulatory Services on January 12 for failing to undertake a “specific assessment of the risk of exposure to coronavirus”.

Bar 35 failed to ensure that customers remained seated when ordering food or drink, being served with food or drink, and when consuming food or drink.

It also failed to comply with requirements to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus by not limiting “close physical interaction” and not “providing or requiring use of personal protective equipment”.

Both premises have been given measures to ensure that regulations are complied with in the future.

Such measures include ensuring staff and reminding customers to wear face coverings indoors, unless they are exempt; updating risk assessments on the risk of exposure to coronavirus at the business; and ensuring that “the entry and exits of Eden/Bar 35 are separated from each other as independent business/premise” – this point adds that the separation must also include access to the outside area.

Failure for both premises to comply with the improvement notices could result in further sanctions being imposed including a Fixed Penalty Notice, Closure Notice or proceedings in court.

Bridgend County Borough Council confirmed it was investigating Eden Bar and Lounge at the beginning of the month after videos came out showing large crowds celebrating at the premises on New Years Eve.

Coronavirus restrictions in Wales at the time meant that outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people were banned.

Licensed premises are still limited to the rule of six, whereby physical distancing of 2m is required between groups of six people. Managed table service must also be in place and customers are asked to remain seated.

After the Council revealed that they were investigating Eden, a spokesperson for the bar said that the video took place when the owner wished everyone a Happy New Year at 12am and that in “that brief moment people got up”.

Some coronavirus restrictions in Wales were lifted after First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announced on Friday January 14 that the country would begin a phased return to Alert Level Zero.

From Saturday, the number of people who were allowed to take part in outdoor events rose from 50 to 500.

As of Friday January 21, there will be no limits on the amount of people that can take part in outdoor activities and outdoor hospitality will be able to stop undertaking a table-service only policy.

However, coronavirus passes will still be required.

Eden Bar has been approached for comment.

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