A local authority has sanctioned a seventh business which was seen flouting the lockdown rules.

Gravesham council issued a £1,000 fine to a pub after it stayed open past the government's 10pm curfew last Wednesday.

This comes after the authority fined six other businesses last week which were also seen breaking the restrictions.

It has now sanctioned four pubs and three restaurants. All received a £1,000 penalty.

Government guidelines state that pubs must close at 10pm and while takeaways can continue to deliver meals after that time, walk-in customers must not be served.

Leader of Gravesham council Cllr John Burden said: "When the government introduced the 10pm curfew for hospitality premises I went public saying this council would adopt an educational and advisory approach, engaging with local businesses as they got used to the new rules and only moving to enforcement reluctantly and as a last resort.

"It saddens me to say that having written to all businesses in the borough explaining the new rules, our enforcement teams subsequently collected evidence of a minority of hospitality venues continuing to serve walk-in customers after 10pm.

"I am disappointed we have had to take this action against local businesses and I hope they now understand that we are serious about ensuring everyone is obeying the rules in the fight against Covid-19.

"But while we will do everything we can to support those facing hardship as a result of obeying the rules, we will not tolerate those who think they can ignore them.

"While I sincerely hope we have no need to take any further action, our enforcement officers will be out throughout November ensuring the new lockdown regulations are being adhered to.

"It is vital we all play our part in bringing the infection rate back under control, which in turn will allow those businesses obliged to close their doors the chance of getting back to business at the earliest opportunity."

The money from the fines is likely to go to voluntary and charitable organisations supporting those struggling during the pandemic.

The council declined to identify the pub.

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