Direction Order issued to Birmingham restaurant for flouting Covid-19 rules

The Tipu Sultan restaurant is the first business in the city to receive a Direction Order from Birmingham City Council after it was found to be breaching Covid-19 guidelines. 

New powers from government means that the council and police may investigate reports of business premises which are failing to comply with Covid-secure risk assessments and, if necessary, reduce the numbers of people present, restrict numbers in areas of the premises or close the premises. 

The Tipu Sultan restaurant was issued with a Direction Order yesterday (27 August), after officers responded to approximately 25 reports of events being held at the premises with significantly more people than the government guidance of a maximum of 30 in any gathering. 

The inspection also found that safety measures detailed within the restaurants risk assessment had not been implemented all of the time, and that social distancing in the queue for entry and in waiting areas of the restaurant had not being maintained or controlled in an acceptable manner. 

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward said: “The hospitality sector in Birmingham is one of the best in the country. For it to stay that way we need to feel safe to go out and enjoy ourselves in the fantastic restaurants and bars we have.  

“Most businesses are complying with the Covid regulations, however those that are not complying are helping the virus to spread and putting people’s lives in danger. 

“By enhancing enforcement, we are ensuring the safety of our citizens and giving businesses a final chance to do the right thing and implement measures that protect their customers and their staff.” 

The Direction Order will come in to effect on Saturday (29 August), and stipulates that the restaurant must restrict entry into the premises; not allow bookings of more than 30 people, ensuring large parties are given a separate dining area; implement a booking system to prevent people from queuing outside; and use the booking system to allow time for tables to be thoroughly cleansed. 

Head of Environmental Health, Mark Croxford said: “Numerous reports have been made to the council, the police and local councillors that events are being held at Tipu Sultan with significantly more people than the government guidance of a maximum of 30 in any one party.”

As a result, at least 5 confirmed cases of Coronavirus have been linked to the premises over a period of 4 weeks. A Direction Order was necessary in order to protect against the spread of coronavirus. 

I look forward to the Tipu Sultan making the required changes so that their staff and customers can have a more positive, safer experience.”

The Direction Order will be kept under regular review. Failure to comply with a Direction Order may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or a new direction closing the premises being issued. 

Birmingham City Council have reminded businesses that they must enforce Government guidelines to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes ensuring customers and staff comply with social distancing and wear appropriate PPE and face coverings, unless exempt and where required; enforcing track and trace systems; and in hospitality industries, not accepting bookings for groups from more than two households or support bubbles. 

To report a business which is putting staff and/ or customers at risk visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/xfp/form/755 or call 0121 303 1116. For the latest Government advice on Covid-19, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.