'Shop the shops' not following rules, urge officials
Salopians are being urged to "shop the shops" who are not complying with Covid-19 safety rules.
Public health officials are asking people to confidentially tell authorities of businesses that are in breach of the rules so that action can be taken to reduce the spread of the virus.
Officers want to know which places do not have proper social distancing in place, safe queue management or a strict mask-wearing policy in force.
Karen Collier, head of regulatory services at Shropshire Council, said: “Throughout the pandemic we have always operated on an advice-led approach, which essentially means enforcement is used as a last resort.
“What we want to do is help businesses to be as safe as possible, so the first step is always to provide advice about how they can improve.
“Whilst we do have officers and volunteers visiting premises, we rely on the help of the public to share their experiences with us – good and bad.
"So although we need to know about areas of concern, where rules are not being followed, we also want to hear about businesses which can be used as good examples of how to keep people safe.
“This whole process is about helping businesses stay Covid-secure so we can stop the spread of the virus in our communities.”
Residents can use the online form on the council’s website or get in touch by emailing advicecompliance@shropshire.gov.uk or by calling 0345 678 9067.
All information received is treated in the strictest confidence and will help protect both the public and staff.
There have been a number of examples of businesses bending or breaking the rules. This week an unnamed Ludlow pub was fined £1,000 for selling alcohol from its premises and allowing customers to remain adjacent to the site while drinking. And in December, the Rock & Fountain pub in Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, was closed by the council after it was found to be in breach of Covid-19 guidelines.
Many supermarkets launched a crackdown last month to try and prevent the spread of the virus by ordering the compulsory wearing of masks unless medically exempt, and telling people to shop alone. Police said that officers will be on hand to support shops in the face of dissenting customers.
