Mendip District Council officers have been helping hospitality and retail businesses to keep-up and comply with government COVID restrictions.

Bars, pubs and licensed premises, cafes, restaurants, shops and hairdressers/barbers in Glastonbury and Street have all received information leaflets on how to avoid 'rule of six' breaches and other violations such as large gatherings, lack of social distancing, the ban on live music and unrecorded Test and Trace details.

In addition to the leaflet drop, members of the Council's Public Protection team have paid personal visits to more than 150 premises across the two towns, reminding venues of the steps they must take to ensure customers are safe when visiting.

The awareness campaign is in response to a rise in COVID cases in the Glastonbury and Street area.

Non-compliant businesses could face action including closure, prosecution and licence review. But Mendip officers have noted only minor infringements to date, (such as absence of face coverings on staff, or no QR code poster displayed), and report that most high street hospitality venues are compliant and responsive.

Cllr Heather Shearer, Portfolio Holder for Community Health, said: "These are confusing times for traders who are trying to keep businesses operating, while following ever-changing COVID regulations. They are at the heart of our communities, and provide a much-valued service. That's why we are working with them, to support them, through advice, additional literature and one-to-one visits.

"We will do everything we can to keep venues open and prevent local lockdowns, which is why we are maintaining an open and honest dialogue with our businesses. However, we all have to recognise that this is an unprecedented health crisis and, alongside our partners in the police, we will take action if required. Protecting our communities and vulnerable residents is of paramount importance."

Venues are being reminded that they must follow safety measures including:

•keep customers and visitors safe, including social distancing arrangements

•keep to the 'rule of six'

•record NHS Track and Trace details and keep for 21 days

•keep music low to avoid people raising their voices

•only play TV/sports with no sound

•protect and manage their workforce

•ensure workforce wear face coverings

Customers are reminded to comply with all measures they are asked to take by hospitality venues, including:

•wash hands or use hand gel before and after going out and regularly while out, particularly after contact with door handles, light switches, taps etc.

•maintain social distancing at all times, including when entering and leaving venues

•not to visit venues if they personally have any signs of COVID, or concerns about any symptoms

•give the correct details to the venue so they can be contacted by NHS Test and Trace

•wear a face covering

•use judgement about where they go and how much they go out

All the latest advice and guidance is available on the Mendip District Council website: www.mendip.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you have concerns that an individual or business has significantly breached Government restrictions you can report it to our partners at Avon and Somerset Police. Fill in their online form here: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/breach-of-covid-19-restrictions/

Alternatively, call 101 (for non-emergencies) or 999 (for emergencies).