Three hospitality venues in Bolton have each received £1,000 fines for a “complete disregard” of coronavirus rules.
The establishments – one in Bolton town centre and two venues in other parts of the borough – were all fined for breaching the legislation when Bolton was in the highest Tier of restrictions.
Issues included not operating a table service, no social distancing, and alcohol being served without a substantial meal.
A joint taskforce between Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Police is working together to make sure businesses and individuals are complying with regulations.
In the town centre bar, excessive amounts of alcohol were being served without a substantial meal and photos of drinkers, not socially distancing, were posted on Instagram.
In a social club in another part of the borough, people were ordering and purchasing drinks at the bar, no social distancing was in place and substantial meals were not being served.
Elsewhere, officers witnessed people drinking in a pub without any food being consumed, people mixing with other customers and playing pool.
All of the premises concerned had previously received detailed information about the rules via a mailshot, been visited by officers, and given the opportunity to make changes to abide by the rules.
There can be no excuses for breaking the rules and endangering public safety in this way.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environment Regulatory Services, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “We take no pleasure fining businesses in this climate but all licensed premises need to abide by the law.
“These premises have shown a complete disregard of the rules, and chosen to ignore the government instructions and advice from our officers.
“There can be no excuses for breaking the rules and endangering public safety in this way.
“The vast majority of our licensees have been responsible, and rogue premises like these have understandably sparked anger and frustration.
“When pubs and bars are allowed to reopen, we will continue to work with the police to enforce the relevant restrictions.”
Chief Inspector Nicola Williams, from GMP's Bolton Division, added:
"Alongside the local authority we worked with our licensed premises, prior to additional restrictions coming into place, so they are aware of the current legislation and the need to ensure they maintain COVID-secure premises for the safety and welfare of their patrons.
"Unfortunately, this has not been the case and fines have had to be issued. We hope this sends a clear message to the licensed premises that the legislation is there to keep people safe, and we will respond in the necessary way to reports of such incidents.
"Following the start of the latest lockdown, we appreciate what a challenging time this is for the hospitality industry.
“However, we have to ensure we are working together to reduce the risk posed by the spread of COVID-19 and while we thank the majority for continuing to do so, we will carry on enforcing the legislation where necessary against the minority who aren’t."
All offences were contrary to The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Very High) (England) Regulations 2020.
If you have concerns that a business is not following government guidance than please call 01204 333333 or email environmentalhealthcovidinbox@bolton.gov.uk.
If you have concerns that people are meeting other households please report online to Greater Manchester Police.