Keep an eye-out for new Covid stickers in windows of the borough's businesses

A borough council scheme is inspecting businesses and issuing stickers if they are Covid compliant.

Local businesses including shops, restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and gyms can now display their Covid-secure credentials thanks to a Charnwood Borough Council scheme.

The Council is inspecting premises to ensure they are following the latest Covid guidance and if they pass, issuing a “We are Covid-Compliant” window sticker.

The aim of the scheme is to recognise businesses for their efforts to keep customers and staff safe, increase customer confidence and encourage people to support their local businesses.

Richard Creek, Natalie Joyce and Craig Sharp-Weir (pictured), equal partners of The Cask Bah in Loughborough proudly display their Covid compliant audit sticker alongside their 5-star food hygiene rating certificate.

They said: “As a small, independent business, being able to stay open and give our guests safety confidence is important for us to survive during these difficult times.

“We have had to adapt to a slightly different business model in order to operate safely and are very grateful to Laura Cowlishaw and the rest of the environmental health team at Charnwood Borough Council for their guidance to ensure we had everything in place.

“The inspection was very much a helpful guide with no judgement or reproach.”
 
A business passes the Covid-compliant inspection when it can evidence that it has the following measures in place:

• A Covid-19 risk assessment
• The NHS QR Code is displayed / a contact tracing system used to collect customers’ details
• Covid-19 safety signage is displayed
• A check system for Covid-19 symptoms of staff and customers
• Staff are wearing adequate PPE
• Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing regimes are in place.
• Face coverings are worn were required (unless exempt) 
• Social distancing measures are in place
• Table service is adhered to (if applicable)
• Live entertainment and event bookings are within guidelines
• Ventilation and security considerations

Cllr Shona Rattray, lead member for regulatory services at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It is important to recognise businesses who have worked hard to introduce and maintain Covid-safety measures in their premises.

“Being Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Charnwood, and all businesses are eligible for spot checks which means any businesses can receive a visit to check they are compliant.

“Having a Covid-compliant tick in the window will give reassurance to customers that a business has passed inspections and will hopefully prove to be a positive step to boost our local businesses.”