Bar ordered to shut for ‘blatantly disregarding’ social distancing
Blossoms hit out at the closure, claiming 'independent businesses' are suffering far more.
A bar has been ordered to close by local authorities for ‘blatantly disregarding’ social distancing measures.
The council said Blossoms, in Wolverhampton city centre, were not implementing enough measures to ensure customers follow government guidelines.
Wolverhampton City Council said the bar ‘continually exceeded’ capacity levels and the its licence holder would not co-operate with them or the police.
The local authority said their officers would work with the businesses so it could ‘reopen safely’ soon.
Blossoms hit out at the closure in a Facebook post, saying it was not possible for the bar to operate at half capacity and that it is ‘independent businesses’ suffering instead of bigger companies.
The post said: ‘The ridiculous, vague and completely illogical coronavirus ‘law’ and legislation is once again forcing us to close.
‘After it has been deemed that our venue is unsafe for use at a capacity of 128 people, we were given the suggestion of halving it again to around 60.
‘This is totally unviable for a business and building of our size. We are completely fuming and at a loss with our government, this is not a swipe at the local authorities but at this situation in general… what a load of bulls***.
‘So sorry to those of you who have been in touch this week, we have been battling this issue.
‘Unfortunately once again the big boys win and the independent business and its customers lose.
‘Socialising and the nightlife industry is being brushed aside like it doesn’t matter, it’s a great shame.
‘I hope to be back open again soon, not with hand sanitisers, masks and this stupid thing we’ve accepted called social distancing.
‘But at full capacity, everyone smiling, hugging, laughing, shouting and most importantly DANCING. Can you believe they’ve banned dancing!? What has the world come to! We’ll be back, Blossoms.’
Councillor Steve Evans said the council was taking a ‘zero-tolerance approach to those who flout the rules’ and called Blossoms’ actions an ‘imminent threat to public health’.
Police Supt Simon Inglis said: ‘We do not make decisions to support such closure action lightly as we recognise the impact on the local economy and the wider community.
‘However, it is absolutely clear that the way the venue is currently being run presents a significant risk to public health and preventing further harm has to take priority.’
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It comes as other local authorities crack down on bars and restaurants following social distancing rules.
Middlesbrough council promised any venues that ‘puts profit before people’ risk being closed down.
Mayor of Middlesborough Andy Preston said public health officials will visit venues with police on Saturday night after the town was put on the Government’s ‘areas of concern’ watchlist due to a spike in coronavirus cases.
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