KFC made “no effort” to limit number of people in Bridgend designer outlet restaurant

A KFC restaurant in Bridgend has been given a warning by council workers who found “no effort” was made to limit the number of people inside.

Bridgend Council staff gave KFC, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, Bridgend an improvement notice for breaching coronavirus regulations on Saturday, April 17.

A council spokesperson said the restaurant made “no effort to control capacity inside” the premises and there were “no two-metre controls in place”.

Officials gave the restaurant two days to comply with the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020. Failure to comply can result in closure, a fixed penalty notice, or being taken to court.

Under current rules, takeaway and food delivery services can operate in Wales.

The Welsh Government website states business owners must take “all reasonable measures” to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19, which includes ensuring people keep two metres apart.

The guidelines also encourage businesses to take orders in advance online or by phone and they cannot allow customers to eat or drink at either indoor or outdoor seating areas.

A KFC spokesperson said:

“Our top priority remains operating responsibly and we have strict measures and procedures in place.

“We’re continuing to work closely with Bridgend Council to ensure all responsibility features – from social distancing measures to floor markings and perspex screens – meet current guidelines and are being adhered to by both team members and guests.”

In England, pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened for customers seated outdoors on April 12. Outdoor hospitality will reopen in Wales on Monday, April 26.

The SRS, a partnership between South Wales Police and Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils, carries out checks on licensed premises to ensure they comply with government guidelines.

To date, 102 premises in Bridgend county borough have been given improvement notices notices during the pandemic, according to the SRS website. Seven local businesses have been temporarily closed.

The service has issued 98 improvement notices to businesses in Cardiff and 80 in the Vale of Glamorgan.