Black Country restaurant and gym fined for breaching Covid rules
A Turkish restaurant and a gym in the Black Country have been fined for breaching Covid restrictions.
Police found diners inside Nemrut Restaurant Ltd in Lightwoods Road, Smethwick.
The owners were handed a £200 fine while Sandwell Council issued a prohibition notice.
Officers also found an illegal gathering taking place at Legion Fitness in Smethwick, on December 20.
The gym's owners were each given a £200 fine and the council says it will monitor the business to see if it complies with rules.
Like all of the Black Country, Sandwell is in Tier 3 meaning pubs, cafes and restaurants are only allowed to sell takeaway food and drink.
Under Tier 3 rules, people are also banned from mixing with others indoors outside their household or support bubble.
Despite this, West Midlands Police has had an increase in calls reporting gatherings in private places.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb, from West Midlands Police, said: "Christmas this year is very different but no matter how tempting it may be, we urge people not to gather indoors and we ask businesses to abide by the government restrictions."
Councillor Maria Crompton, interim leader of Sandwell Council, added: "Covid-19 can be a fatal disease so we need to look out for one another and not take unnecessary risks.
"I urge businesses to continue to comply with local restrictions and remind business owners there are grants available to help them through this very difficult time."
