A pub in Woolwich has been bit with a £1,000 fine after breaching the 10pm curfew rule.

Greenwich Council has issued a warning to businesses to follow the new rules or risk enforcement action.

More than 50 businesses were visited over the weekend (September 25-27) by council workers, and a surprising level of non-compliance was found in the borough.

The new rules require all businesses selling food and drink to close between 10pm and 5am, except for deliveries, although no customers should be on site during this time.

The council said a number of takeaways were found to be still open after 10pm, and community protection warnings under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act were formally issued to six who were in breach of current rules.

These warnings came with the threat of enforcement notices and/or penalty fines for further non-compliance.

Two incidents on Trafalgar Road are now under investigation as part of the crackdown, with the businesses at risk of up to £10,000 fines for failing to abide by the Covid-secure regulations.

And in Woolwich, one pub on Woolwich Church Street has been issued with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice.

The Albion's Mr Abel Nsinga has been issued the fine after the venue failed to comply to the current curfew rules.

Greenwich Council said that during a visit on September 24, advice was given to the owner regarding the rules, but this was later ignored again, leading to the fine.

In a statement, Greenwich Council said they would again be visiting businesses across the borough to ensure they are complying with the 10pm closure, as well as other Covid-19 regulations.

These include a requirement for the NHS QR code poster for track and tracing to be displayed, and in licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from a table, not at the bar.

"Enforcement action will be taken against businesses that deliberately flout the rules and the Council has already issued a £1,000 fine to a pub in Woolwich for failing to comply."

If you have concerns that a business is not following the government regulations, you can report suspected breaches to health@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.