Havering Council has carried out 1,641 face-to-face visits to businesses to make sure they comply with Covid 19 rules.
The Council found 82 percent of businesses were compliant and follow up visits have been arranged for businesses who don’t meet the grade.
The Council also received and followed up over 500 reports from the public on concerns over possible Covid-related breaches.
Throughout the Covid 19 pandemic, the Council’s officers have been visiting and talking to businesses to ensure they have the right measures in place to keep their staff and customers safe.
This includes visits and patrols at weekends in town centres and high streets, with a focus on checking and supporting high-risk businesses such as barbers and hairdressers.
They are also making sure businesses are sticking to the rules such as the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
The Council is also visiting businesses such as takeaways, to ensure they know the curfew also applies to them.
Where necessary, the team will take enforcement action against those who do not comply, with the support of the Metropolitan Police.
Councillor Viddy Persaud, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Safety, said:
“We need to make sure our residents are kept safe when using local businesses such as bars, restaurants and barbers.
“We take this extremely seriously which is why our enforcement officers are working very hard, taking action where needed, to deal with any breach of Covid 19 rules. They are also giving support to businesses when needed.
“Everyone needs to do their bit to remain safe. This includes our businesses and we are pleased to see many of them are sticking to these rules. We need to make sure we do not let our guard down especially as the rate of infection is increasing across London and Essex.
“We encourage anyone who finds a business who is not doing their bit to report it to us and we will not hesitate in taking action. To report a Covid 19 related concern over a business, residents can call 01708 432777.”