Government issues guidance on three new notices local authorities can issue against premises breaching COVID-secure rules

The Department for Health & Social Care has published guidance on the additional powers that came into force last week (2 December) and which allow local authorities in England to take action against premises that do not comply with COVID-secure rules.

The guidance, which was published on 4 December, covers the three new notices local authorities can issue:

1. The Coronavirus Improvement Notice (CIN).
2. The Coronavirus Restriction Notice (CRN).
3. The Coronavirus Immediate Restriction Notice (CIRN).

The DHSC says the notices are based in part on the existing health and safety regime under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA).

“The HSWA regime has been used so that local authority officers will have some familiarity with the new regime. Proportionality and the principles set out in the Regulators’ Code should be followed, so that local authority officers should attempt to engage with a business before issuing a notice where possible,” it says.

The guidance covers:

• Summary
• Background
• The CIN
• The CRN
• The CIRN
• ReviewsS
• Appeal and withdrawal
• Investigative powers
• Relevant obligations on businesses.

The guidance can be viewed here.