Closure order Bolton restaurant to reopen after COVID-19 safety inspection
A restaurant, which was forced to close for breaking COVID-19 restrictions, will be permitted to reopen following an inspection by Bolton Council.
Last week, the council served an order on Grillaz due to inadequate social distancing controls outside the Derby Street venue.
This was despite numerous visits from both council officers and Greater Manchester Police to remind the owners of COVID-19 regulations, and a final warning being issued.
However, following a visit from environmental health officers on Thursday (August 27), the council is now satisfied that sufficient measures are in place so that the business can reopen safely.
Employees have been reminded of the COVID-19 regulations, an extra staff member has been taken on to help with queue management, floor markings have been installed and the owners have committed to working collaboratively with the council.
The business is currently undertaking internal renovations and has asked the council if they can reopen on Tuesday (September 1st), which has been agreed.
Council officers will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the business remains compliant with rules on social distancing.
We will not tolerate any risk to public health, and we will not hesitate to take tough action against those that ignore repeated warnings.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environment Services Regulatory, Councillor Hilary Fairclough, said:
“As a council, we do not want to be closing businesses down at what is a very challenging time for the local economy.
“However, we will not tolerate any risk to public health, and we will not hesitate to take tough action against those that ignore repeated warnings.
“I am pleased this business got the message about the importance of social distancing and has put appropriate measures in place to keep customers safe.
“If the restaurant had taken earlier opportunities to engage with council officers and put the necessary changes in place, the closure would not have been necessary in the first place.
“We will continue to work with Grillaz, and businesses across Bolton, to ensure COVID-19 regulations are followed.
“I would like to thank local ward councillors for their support in bringing this issue to our attention.”