Leeds City Council issues first prohibition notice

A vape shop in Morley, Leeds, has become the first premises in the city to receive a prohibition notice under the new coronavirus regulations.

The regulations were brought in on 26 March 2020 as part of the government’s measures to manage the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. The new laws require non-essential shops and businesses to remain closed until further notice.

On 1 April, Leeds City Council received a report that Revo Vapes in Morley were continuing to serve customers from their shop on Queen Street. They were reminded of the new restrictions, but a few days later during a routine patrol, West Yorkshire Police officers witnessed a member of the public being served from a window hatch at the premises.

This information was shared with the council and a prohibition notice was served on the business owner on Monday 6 April, prohibiting direct sales from the premises.

If the business continues to serve members of the public at the shop they will be prosecuted in court and the penalty is an unlimited fine. The council has told the business owner that they can still take online orders and deliver, in line with the government guidance.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We would like to remind businesses and members of the public that this new legislation is in place to protect public health and save lives. We will always be fair and balanced when dealing with instances where the regulations are not being adhered to, but where operators refuse to cooperate and continue to break the law we will take appropriate enforcement action.”