COUNCIL chiefs say new tools to clamp down on businesses that flout Covid safety rules will allow them to take swifter action than before.

Cheshire East Council has been working to support businesses in adhering to national coronavirus regulations throughout the pandemic – providing advice when the rules have changed.

But it now has new powers available to stop any businesses that fail to take the necessary precautions to keep customers and staff safe.

Cllr Mick Warren, CEC cabinet member for communities, said: "To date, thanks to the genuine goodwill and cooperation of the vast majority of businesses in Cheshire East, enforcement has only been brought forward as a last resort.

"However, these new powers mean that we can act more quickly where businesses are in breach of the regulations and people are put at risk."

Since the beginning of December, borough councils have had new powers to tackle businesses that fail to adhere to coronavirus restrictions.

A coronavirus improvement notice can be issued to businesses that fail to fulfil a coronavirus regulation, which could lead to a £2,000 fine.

If a business fails to comply with that notice, then it can be issued a coronavirus restrictions notice, with a fine of £4,000 issued.

Councils can also issue a coronavirus immediate restrictions notice, when rapid action is needed to close a premises or restrict an activity to stop the spread of Covid, and failure to comply with this will result in a £4,000 fine.

“Our priority is to ensure that people are safe," added Cllr Warren.

"Where, following engagement, explanation and encouragement, businesses are unable or unwilling to comply with Covid regulations we will not hesitate to enforce the law using these new powers.

“Working together, we can keep each other safe, abiding by the new regulations, while supporting many businesses to operate and customers to access the goods and services they need.”

Businesses that need advice on the regulations, or members of the public with concerns about whether a business is operating in a Covid-secure manner, can email CEC on commercialservices@cheshireeast.gov.uk