Portsmouth vendors fined £1,000 for Covid breach over seating for customers

Most were fined for having seating allowing ‘customers to congregate,’ contrary to the Health Protection Regulations in the second lockdown due to end on December 2.

They were Shoreline Kiosk in Southsea Esplanade, Canoe Lake Cafe in St Helen’s Parade and three businesses on South Parade Pier.

The firms at the pier were The Old Pier Hut, Beach Bar, and Best of British Food.

Hampshire police said Beach Bar was selling alcoholic drinks in open containers, falling foul of the regulations.

Portsmouth district commander Superintendent Clare Jenkins said: ‘It is very disappointing that five premises have been in breach of the clear guidelines around hospitality.

‘However I would also like to thank each of the premises for taking swift action to resolve this and prevent further offences, thereby limiting the spread of the virus not only among patrons, but the community as a whole.

‘We hope this sends a message to other businesses that breaching the regulations will be dealt with robustly to ensure everyone’s safety.’

Officers took action in what a police spokesman said were follow-up visits, having previously explained the rules earlier in the year.

But that is hotly contested by Mark Laskey, the owner of the Best of British Food kiosk.

He told The News he plans to appeal the ticket as he was not warned by police or authorities that he should not put the benches out.

Mr Laskey said the fine was a ‘big hit’ and equivalent to the majority of two to three weeks’ takings in the current climate.

It’s understood to be one of two Southsea businesses fined yesterday.

‘We’re literally trying to survive to get our way through this and look forward to times in the future,’ he said.

‘I’m not alone in that, every single trader is in the same situation.’

The benches had been in place since May 29, and Mr Laskey had spent £2,000 on set-up costs to be Covid-compliant after the first lockdown.

He added: ‘I don’t think I have been treated fairly in the respect that I think I should have been warned.’

The benches were immediately removed after police left, he added, and this would have been done if he was warned.

All the benches were disinfected after each customer used them and this is better than what is happening in high streets near fast food outlets, Mr Laskey said.

On a Facebook post he added: ‘I would like to thank all of our existing and new customers for your continued support during these trying and difficult times, and with your support it should be financially viable for us to continue to trade.’

Deputy chief constable Sara Glen previously told The News enforcement would increase when infections did.

Portsmouth’s has a rate of 225.2 new infections per 100,000 people in the seven days to November 9, with 484 new cases.

Pier owner Tommy Ware Jnr said social distancing was in place at the kiosk and Covid rules are not clear enough.

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‘Everyone just felt it a little bit harsh bearing in mind there are benches all the way along South Parade Pier which people are sitting on eating their fish and chips,’ he said.

Mr Ware said the pier’s benches are also cleaned by staff.

Meanwhile, plans for the pier’s redevelopment are still being progressed despite Covid hitting business.

He said: ‘We’re still looking to carry on doing out stuff, we’re taking this opportunity, this time, to get the maintenance done and we’re still carrying on.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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