South Gloucestershire Council has supported enforcement action against two licensed premises which were found to be operating during Covid restrictions.

The council worked alongside the police to issue fines to the individuals managing The White Swan in Downend and Ye Olde Inn in Westerleigh after they received complaints that people were drinking inside both pubs.

In both cases, the designated premises supervisor was handed a fixed penalty notice and both have since been asked to vacate the premises.

The licence holders for both premises have been working with the council and no further action will be taken.

Councillor Paul Hughes, chairman of the council’s regulatory committee, said: “During Tier 3 restrictions and the current lockdown, licensed premises can only open for takeaway, delivery or click and collect. "We have been carrying out checks and are pleased to say the majority of pubs have been following the rules.

“The activity at both these pubs was not in line with the rules and risks spreading the virus further in the community. We will not tolerate this and our licensing team will work with the police to take action where we find premises open or when we receive complaints from the public.”

To report a breach of the regulations by a business email FoodandHealth@southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 868001.

To report gatherings of lots of people go online at orlo.uk/rl5vm or call 101.