A Ceredigion premises has been closed down over breach of coronavirus regulations.

A closure notice has been served on The Mill Inn, Mill Street, Aberystwyth by licensing officers. The Mill Inn will remain closed until they can demonstrate that they have made improvements and meet the requirements of the coronavirus regulations.

Ceredigion County Council, supported by Dyfed-Powys Police, have stepped up their enforcement of businesses that are failing to keep their customers safe and to ensure that Covid-19 cases do not increase in the County.

There is growing evidence across the country that where there are insufficient controls pubs, clubs and bars increase the risk of Covid-19 spreading in the community and the Council will issue further closure notices where necessary to ensure compliance with the regulations.

The Council will act decisively if any business is found guilty of breaking Covid-19 regulations. In the interest of public safety, all businesses need to ensure that they are compliant with the regulations at all times.

Improvement notices are also being served on premises advising them to take action or face similar consequences. However, the Council is pleased to see how many businesses are operating well to provide a safe environment for their customers. Many of those visited in recent weeks have made further improvements following the advice of the council’s public protection team.

During the compliance visits, officers are checking that businesses are complying with the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions)(No.2) (Wales) Regulations 2020, and have the power to close, force improvements of review the premises licence or club premises certificate.

All pubs and clubs must ensure that:

A Test, Trace, Protect system is in place to accurately record all visits to the premises so that customers can be easily contacted in the event of a positive case linked to the venue. This includes customers’ name and telephone number.
Social distancing of 2 metres is maintained, with adequate signage, distance between tables and seating, and procedures for managing walkways and toilet areas.
All premises must provide table service only i.e. no ordering at the bar.
All food and drink must be consumed at tables.
Customers are not drinking and standing at the bar.
Customers are not drinking alcohol whilst standing, unless they are standing at a tall table – in all other instances they must be seated.
There is no live music, and that recorded music is only played at a low background level.
Hospitality businesses, including pubs, cafes, restaurants and casinos, will have to close at 10pm (coming into force on Thursday, 24 September at 6pm).

The Mill Inn’s Premises Closure Notice came into force 22 September 2020 at 21:00.