Three wedding venues shut down after 150 guests attend in breach of Covid-19 rules

Kirklees Council ordered two banqueting halls in Dewsbury and a hotel in the Liversedge and Gomersal area to close after the breach was reported by members of the public.

Weddings are allowed to go ahead but the maximum number of people allowed to attend is 15.

The three venues were found to be holding wedding receptions for 50 to 150 people.

Safety measures were also not being followed at each venue and officials found a lack of social distancing, especially at arrival and departure.

Councillor Rob Walker, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Our work with West Yorkshire Police in visiting hospitality businesses across Kirklees has highlighted that the vast majority are doing all they can to keep people safe.

“However, we have also seen a small number of businesses that need to make urgent improvements.

“These three venues have been visited a number of times and have been given clear instructions to improve their compliance with the COVID-19 regulations.

"Unfortunately, this has not happened, and they will need to remain closed until they have put this right.

“We’re committed to supporting our hospitality industry through what has been an incredibly difficult time, but we all have to remember that public safety must be the priority.

"When this is put at risk, we will take action.”

Kirklees Council has been working closely with West Yorkshire Police in recent weeks, visiting more than 180 hospitality businesses in the borough to make sure they have the correct COVID-19 measures in place and are operating in line with new regulations.