Kirklees business defied Government rules during nine-week lockdown

Two have been issued with enforcement orders by Kirklees Council. Three more closed their doors voluntarily.

Pubs and other premises were closed on March 20.

In his latest briefing Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all non-essential retail shops can re-open from June 15.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms could re-open even earlier – from June 1 – as long as they meet Covid-19 security guidelines.

The Government has not put a date on when pubs can re-open but they are expected to be among the last businesses to do so.

Pubs and bars were previously warned that organising illegal lock-ins would most likely result in them losing their licences.

However it appears the licensing trade adhered to the rules. Other businesses did not.

Between March 20 and April 6 three businesses were closed by police. They were a snooker hall, a hairdresser/barber and a factory outlet shop.

Prohibition notices were issued to a snooker hall on April 8 and to a car sales premises on April 15.

The businesses that closed voluntarily in May were a garden centre, a charity shop and a lingerie shop.

None of the businesses in question have been named by Kirklees Council.

Council officers have worked in partnership with West Yorkshire Police to ensure businesses have observed social distancing.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Environment, Coun Rob Walker, praised residents for their “really important role” in contacting the council to report anyone operating outside the law.

He said: “Thankfully, the vast majority of our businesses have acted responsibly and have followed the Government’s instructions to close unless they are essential

Coun Amanda Pinnock, who chairs the council’s Licensing Panel, said it was encouraging to hear that pubs, bars and restaurants across the borough had obeyed the rules.

“A very small number of businesses have flouted the law and gone against Government guidelines but I’m pleased to hear that the majority of businesses in Kirklees have adhered to the rules.”