BROMSGROVE business owners, who have recently reopened, are being urged to stick to Covid guidelines.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services officers have written to businesses reminding them to put waiting areas in place and one-way systems if needed and to display posters encouraging customers to wear face coverings.

All customers aged over 16 must sign into the venue using the NHS Test and Trace system or provide their details, whereas previously only one person in the party had to sign in.

Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Simon Wilkes, said: “We have contacted businesses, most of which have been closed for some time, to remind them of the measures they need to put in place.

“From revisiting risk assessments and deep cleans to ensuring efficient ventilation in the premises and encouraging staff to take lateral flow tests, these actions should become a part of a daily routine to keep everybody safe.

“Whilst some of these suggestions are only guidance, we need to be clear that if steps required in law aren’t taken then formal action will follow, so let’s work together to keep the levels of infection down.”

Venue owners are also being reminded, if they are providing a covered space that these must be sturdy and over half of the space must be open.

Simon Wilkes added: “Our enforcement officers will be visiting venues across the county to ensure the rules are being followed and we have written to businesses to inform them of the changes.

“Business owners are urged to be compliant and provide a safe venue for customers to enjoy the new relaxed restrictions. In turn we want customers to respect the rules so everyone can enjoy going out for food and drink.

“We want to encourage people to keep their social distance when visiting the High Streets to keep themselves, and others safe and to stop the number of Covid cases from rising again.”