A pub that ”put lives at risk” by secretly serving customers during the coronaviruslockdown has been issued with a prohibition order.
The Bonnie Blue Oak in the Essex village of Tiptree was caught breaching government regulations following a tip-off to the local council.
Investigators discovered that it was allowing people to enter the public house through a back door after covering up the front windows.
Colchester Borough Council said the pub faced an unlimited fine unless it stopped selling food or drink “for consumption on the premises”.
The prohibition notice — the first issued in the Colchester area — remains in force until the emergency restrictions end.
However the pub can continue to run a takeaway food service.
“The government has been really clear that many places, including pubs and bars, should close as part of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives,” said councillor Mike Lilley.
“It is really important that landlords understand we will take action against them if we find they are opening in breach of the rules.
“They face the potential of an unlimited fine if they fail to comply with the notice, as well as the possibility that we will review their licence.
“Where we receive evidence of premises opening illegally, we will investigate and take action, because they are acting irresponsibly and putting lives at risk.”
The order, which was supported by Essex Police, came into effect on Monday and can not be appealed.
Colchester Borough Council has also shut down parking areas at countryside sites to prevent the public driving long distances to go for a walk.
It said in a statement that it had “noticed a high number of people still driving to use the parks” rather than taking their daily exercise in open spaces near their homes.
“This decision has been taken to protect the residents of Colchester,” the council added. Essex has reported a total of 380 cases of coronavirus.
