Carlisle City Council is reminding licensing premises to follow Coronavirus guidance or face prosecution after a prohibition notice was issued to a licensee based in Carlisle after concerns were raised that food and drink was being sold for consumption on the premises.
Regulatory Services at Carlisle City Council has become aware, during the COVID-19 lockdown period, of several licensed premises adopting practices which breach current legislation introduced to control the risk of infection spreading in the community.
Where a licence permits, premises can operate as off-licence. However, customers must not be permitted to drink purchased alcohol on the premises, including outdoor seating. This would be a clear breach of the legislation and as an enforcement authority action would be taken against any licence holder allowing this to happen on their premises.
Cllr Jo Ellis-Williams, Chair of Carlisle City Council’s Licensing Committee and Regulatory Panel, said: “Whilst we acknowledge that social distancing restrictions are very slowly being lifted and that most of us are looking forward to being able to meet again in cafes, bars and restaurants, our priority is for the safety of the public. The rules are there to protect everyone.”
It has come to the attention of the Local Authority, that some licensed premises are allowing customers to bring their own containers to be filled with real ales, and similar products, for consumption off the premises. In order to prevent cross contamination, customers are not allowed to provide their own containers when purchasing alcohol. This is also the case for those premises who are offering free alcohol as part of a charitable donation. Where alcohol is sold in this form, it is essential that the Licence holder provide customers with lidded disposable containers which can be taken off the premises.
Strict social distancing measures must be in place for all premises allowed to provide services to the general public. Guidance on how to operate safely during the pandemic, including social distancing measures, can be found at www.carlisle.gov.uk
If any licence holder has any queries about how to adhere to the current legislation whilst trading as a food takeaway or off licence, they should contact the City Council by calling 01228 817200 or sending an email to [email protected]
