This was in relation to residents concerns and pressure that I had to ask for an investigation into COVOID-19 commitment by these busineses. The result is as follows:
Dear Cllr Ioannou,
Thank you for your emails addressed to XXXXXX regarding your concerns over social distancing in parts of your Southgate Ward. In particular at the following premises;
- Fios, 102 Crown Lane, N14 5EN
- Hellenic Bakery ,Ashfield Parade, N14 5AB
- The Brothers Coffee Shop. 14 Ashfield Parade, N14 5AB
- Creams Cafe, Chase Side N14
I can confirm that officers from Regulatory Services have given advice to these premises on social distancing measures. We have provided them with information from the Government websites, spoken to them on the telephone, made personal visits and unannounced observational visits. I do appreciate that we are not in the location all of the time so our observations will only reflect the time we were present.
An officer has been visiting this area on a daily basis around lunch time to assess if the food businesses are following the advice provided. Our observations suggest they are, however on a few occasions, we have seen different groups of 3-5 males gathering together, not necessarily outside the food businesses but just generally in this area. This has been reported to our police colleagues with whom we are in regular liaison. The police have advised that the ward officers are visiting the area on a daily basis. They report that there have been occasions where there have been groups of people, but its never the same people, and they move when they see the Police.
In order to support the police and the wider government social distancing guidelines we have placed street signage around this area. I have attached some of the photographs which were taken by officers visiting the area on the 16th April where you can see examples of the social distancing measures introduced by the premises and the street signage the Council has put up.
Under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 local authority officers’ powers relate only to the enforcement of premises closure and trading restrictions, we have no powers to deal with social distancing. The gathering of 3 or more persons can only be enforced by the Police.
Officers from the Council and the Police will continue to monitor the area.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.