Derbyshire Dales pub caught breaching Covid-19 rules

Five members of the public were each issued with £200 fines at the scene and the licence holder at the Moon Inn at Stoney Middleton has subsequently received a £1,000 fixed penalty notice from Derbyshire Dales District Council, the local licensing authority. The fine has been paid.

Now the district council is urging anyone concerned about poor business practices to contact them by email at [email protected].

Coun Chris Furness, chairman of Derbyshire Dales District Council's community and environment committee, said: "This is so disappointing.

"Up to this point the behaviour of local businesses during the Covid restrictions had been exemplary.

"Indeed this is the first time we as a council have had to take this kind of action during the pandemic.

"Our licensing and environmental health teams have been linking up with police partners to monitor Covid compliance, and this important work will continue.

"We will always provide best practice advice to businesses across the Dales, as well as making Covid spot checks to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible."

Sergeant Mat Winterbottom, of the North Division Licensing Team, said: “Gatherings such as this puts not only the individuals involved at risk, but it could also affect their friends, family and the wider community.

“Officers continue to engage, educate and encourage people around the regulations, and it is disappointing that enforcement action has had to be taken on this occasion.

“We remain grateful to the hundreds and thousands of people across Derbyshire who continue to do the right thing during this challenging time, which is staying home and saving lives.”

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