Two neighbouring local businesses have had to close their doors for three months following numerous COVID-19 regulation breaches.
The licenses for Milan Palace and Tudor Rose in Southall were suspended on Monday, 16 November.
In September and October, both venues hosted weddings and other events which breached regulations to keep Londoners safe. In addition to the closure, the Tudor Rose was handed a £1,000 fine for one breach. The Milan Palace was handed a fine of approximately £7,000 for three breaches.
During an event at the Tudor Rose on 13 October, an estimated 100-150 people attended a wedding. More than 60 people attended ceremonies at the Milan Palace.
Enforcement
Chief Superintendent Pete Gardner, West Area policing commander, said: “The brazen actions of these neighbouring venues were completely selfish. They deserve to have their license temporarily stripped for putting their community at risk. Likewise, their attempts to ignore the rules shows utter contempt for the thousands of legitimate businesses across London who have made excellent efforts to keep their business COVID-secure.
“This action alongside Ealing Council should be seen as a warning to those other businesses who flout the rules. Repeated breaches will result in escalated enforcement, which could potentially see licenses being revoked.”
Sergeant Guy Rooney, said: “I visited both these venues on multiple occasions to warn them that their actions were in breach of the regulations and could result in enforcement. However, they took blatant steps to ignore my instructions, continuing to hold weddings and other ceremonies. It is deeply frustrating to see such a total disregard for the rules, which the vast majority of businesses and Londoners are following.”
Keeping Ealing safe
Ealing Council’s regulatory services have been working with the police around COVID-19 regulation breaches. We have given clear instruction to these and other premises about safely operating within the COVID-19 requirements. We have carried out over 400 visits to a variety of premises and venue across Ealing. In addition, COVID-19 stewards are helping Ealing high street by offering advice to businesses and residents about COVID rules.
While compliance has been generally good, a small number of business owners have ignored requirements which are in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Councillor Joanna Camadoo-Rothwell, Ealing Council cabinet member for community safety and inclusion said: “Enforcement action will be taken against businesses that do not follow the restrictions placed on them. We all have a responsibility for ensuring we follow the COVID-19 restrictions and work together to ensure the safety of ourselves and others. We will not hesitate in taking appropriate action against those that flout the regulations.”
Reporting regulation breaches
If you are concerned about a business that might not be operating safely, please notify the council by emailing covid19businesscompliance@ealing.gov.uk.
Help and advice for businesses
Please continue to follow COVID-19 secure guidelines to keep your customers and staff safe.
If your business requires advice or guidance, please email your questions to covid19businesscompliance@ealing.gov.uk so that we can help you.
You can also find further guidance on our Help for Business web pages.
