Hull firms fined £1,000 for breaching 10pm curfew

ENFORCEMENT: Hull City Council, based at The Guildhall. Picture by Tom Arran

Two Hull businesses have been each been fined £1,000 for breaching the 10pm curfew imposed under new Covid-19 rules.

Hull City Council declined to name the businesses, but The Hull Story understands each received fixed penalty notices this week following activity by enforcement officers at the weekend.

They are the first two businesses in Hull to be fined for breaching the curfew.

The authority has also warned that any company which repeatedly flouts the rules could face fines of up to £10,000 - and even face closure.

Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for public protection, said: “The measures brought in by government are designed to protect people and control this terrible virus.

“As a local authority, we have a responsibility to residents and to businesses who adhere to the rules, and we will therefore not accept businesses that flaunt these measures.

“Our Public Protection Team has enforcement powers, which in some cases could mean that businesses that fail to respect the 10pm curfew would be forced to close.

“Nobody wants to see this, but we all know that infection rates are rising across the country and it’s as important as ever that we all remain vigilant and responsible.”

The Government brought in strict rules last month announcing that hospitality businesses had to close at 10pm as part of plans to limit the spread of coronavirus. Takeaways can still deliver food until 5am, but they cannot have any customers on their premises.

Anyone who believes a business is failing to adhere to the 10pm curfew can report them to the council’s Public Protection Team here.

Businesses can find out more about the rules and guidance on the government website.