Pub is hit with £1,000 fine over alleged social-distancing breach

A Wakefield Council worker, accompanied by a colleague and police, attended the Robin Hood on Wakefield Road in Pontefract on Friday evening.

The council said it would be monitoring pubs, restaurants and takeaways as stricter guidelines came into force last week, including table service only and the requirement of masks unless a patron is seated.

The Robin Hood took to Facebook to protest against the fine, claiming they had adhered to the tighter rules following a previous visit, and saying it would appeal the decision.

Glynn Humphries, Wakefield Council’s corporate director for communities, environment and climate change, said: “Officers were forced to issue a fixed penalty notice to the Robin Hood pub in Pontefract this weekend for failing to have the required measures in place to keep customers and staff safe.

"The pub had failed to maintain social-distancing requirements between groups in attendance on the night which is now a legal requirement.

“We had visited the pub the week before, after concerns have been raised. The licensee was given advice and support to try and help them do everything they needed to do and they were advised of the legal obligations fully during that visit. When we visited on Friday they had not followed the advice offered and were given a £1,000 fine.

“Following the national restrictions is absolutely critical to help reduce the spread of the virus and we would like to thank the vast majority of our hospitality sector who have put the safety of customers, staff and everyone else in this district first."

Wakefield is the only district in West Yorkshire to escape local lockdown so far, with Leeds being added to the growing list on Friday.

Meanwhile, the council is asking people to report venues which they believe are not following the guidelines, by emailing [email protected] or calling 0345 8506506.