Wolverhampton bar shut down over 'serious social distancing breaches'

Blossoms in North Street in the city centre has been temporarily closed after being accused by police and public health bosses of failing to implement adequate control measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The bar caused a serious and imminent threat to public health by continually exceeding capacity levels and ignoring social distancing measures, Wolverhampton Council said.

The licensee also failed to fully co-operate with the police and the council, according to the authority.

Blossoms hit out at the Government's coronavirus regulations in a post on Facebook, describing social distancing as "stupid" and saying that it was not viable for the bar to half its capacity.

"The ridiculous, vague and completely illogical Coronavirus ‘Law’ and Legislation is once again forcing us to close," the post said.

"After it has been deemed that our venue is unsafe for use at a capacity of 128 people, we were given the suggestion of halving it again to around 60.

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"This is totally unviable for a business and building of our size. We are completely fuming and at a loss with our government, this is not a swipe at the local authorities but at this situation in general... what a load of bulls***.

"So sorry to those of you who have been in touch this week, we have been battling this issue.

"Unfortunately once again the big boys win and the independent business and it’s customers lose.

"Socialising and the nightlife industry is being brushed aside like it doesn’t matter, it’s a great shame.

"I hope to be back open again soon, not with hand sanitisers, masks and this stupid thing we’ve accepted called social distancing.

"But at full capacity, everyone smiling, hugging, laughing, shouting and most importantly DANCING. Can you believe they’ve banned dancing!? What has the world come to! We’ll be back, Blossoms."

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment at Wolverhampton Council, said the licence holder's actions were causing a "serious and imminent threat to public health".

“The closure of the premises is in response to regular and serious breaches of social distancing as well as other inadequate controls resulting in the potential spread of coronavirus," he said.

“There is a clear need to prevent further harm to public health and to do so promptly.

“As a council, we take a zero tolerance approach to those who flout the rules and put others at risk during such uncertain times.

“It is not acceptable for businesses to be ignoring expert advice set out by the government that has been put in place to protect the public from the virus.

“Thankfully, the vast majority of businesses are acting responsibly and abiding by the rules."

The council said officers would continue to work with the licence holder to implement a scenario where the premises can safely reopen with social distancing and other adequate control measures being in place and adhered to.

Wolverhampton Police Superintendent, Simon Inglis, added: “We have been working very closely with Public Health and local authority colleagues in recent months as they seek to protect the public during these difficult times.

“We do not make decisions to support such closure action lightly as we recognise the impact on the local economy and the wider community.

"However, it is absolutely clear that the way the venue is currently being run presents a significant risk to public health and preventing further harm has to take priority.

“We will fully support the local authority in ensuring the premises remain closed at this time and are happy to provide support and advice if the premises licence holder wishes to re-open in the future in a way that is fully compliant with the regulations.

“Our wider message to those licensed premises that may be currently flouting the regulations is that we will continue to work closely with local authority and Public Health colleagues and will be happy to support further such action if regulations continue to be breached.”