Second business closed after breaching Covid-19 regulations

Another business that was found to be flouting coronavirus rules has been shut down by the council.

Taboosh Cafe, in Rochdale, will close for two weeks after it was discovered to have committed ‘multiple breaches’ of coronavirus rules.

The venue, based at Richmond Hall, in Lomax Street, was also breaking smoke-free legislation by allowing shisha use in a fully enclosed space.

The closure direction has been enforced by Rochdale Council, which is working with GMP to check on businesses that are reported for breaching regulations.

The owner of Taboosh, Ahed Alhajaly, has agreed to close until Friday 11 September to put proper measures in place. The business is not allowed to operate again until agreed by the council.

It is the second closure direction to be executed by the authority.

Last month The Grey Area Party Room, in Heywood, was forced to close for four weeks after evidence came to light it was ignoring Covid-19 regulations. It cannot reopen until 7 September.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/135977/heywood-business-closed-after-breaching-covid19-regulations

Councillor Sara Rowbotham, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said “We still have one of the highest rates of coronavirus cases in the UK so it is more important than ever that everyone acts responsibly to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“Thanks to our excellent partnership enforcement team who continue to monitor and tackle businesses who show disregard for the safety of our residents.”

Rochdale Council’s public protection team has received 969 enquiries about Covid-19 since March. Of those, 727 were complaints about premises not complying with Covid-19 rules and a lack of social distancing. 

The team has issued 35 warnings and has now executed two business closures.

Venues including cafes, bars and restaurants are now allowed to open, but must comply with Covid-19 regulations.

To report a business breaching Covid-19 regulations email Rochdale Council’s public protection team at report.biz@rochdale.gov.uk.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter