Coronavirus: Southampton restaurant has licence suspended for breaking Covid-19 rules

Iroko Lounge, a restaurant on Onslow Road, Southampton, was full and beyond capacity in breach of Covid-19 regulations as well as licensing and planning conditions.

It has had its licence temporarily suspended pending the outcome of a full review on September 23.

Councillor David Shields, Southampton City Council cabinet member for stronger communities said: ‘This was an irresponsible breach of licensing conditions and government guidelines on social distancing.

‘Along with our partners at Hampshire Constabulary we have taken swift and decisive action to protect the health of our communities in Southampton.

‘We must not be complacent in our actions to keep Covid-19 infections in the city low.

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‘I urge all premises to adhere to government guidelines; for everyone to continue to follow social distancing and face covering guidance, as well as practice good hand hygiene and if we do have symptoms, to isolate immediately along with members of our household and book a test via the NHS Test and Trace programme.’

PC Brian Swallow from the licensing and alcohol harm reduction team added: ‘This was a serious breach of licensing regulations and as such we recommended that the premises licence be suspended with immediate effect, to ensure public safety.

‘It is vitally important that licensed premises abide by the regulations that are in place to protect people from crime and disorder, public nuisance and the potential public health implications of such gatherings during the current pandemic.

‘Hampshire Constabulary will continue to work closely with our partners to encourage compliance and where necessary; we will take enforcement action.’

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