An Orpington Greek restaurant has saved itself from permanent closure after demonstrating its ability to observe coronavirus regulations.

The Greek Meze was deemed a threat to the community after complaints were made by about the lack of social distancing measures in place, with staff and security making no attempts to intervene as customers danced to loud music.

After several visits by Bromley Council’s public protection team and the police, the management of the restaurant failed to comply, resulting in the issuing of a community protection notice.

The restaurant initially closed its doors on September 23, after an application for a closure order was issued at Bromley Magistrates Court, pending a full hearing on 9 October.

After working closely with the Council to become Covid secure, The Greek Meze re-opened on Friday.

>> Read more: Greek restaurant in Orpington faces closure for breaching coronavirus rules

Councillor Kate Lymer, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement said, “I’m pleased that the Greek Meze has successfully re-opened and the decision was made not to continue with any further action.

“During the period of closure, we worked closely with the operator and they were able to turn the premises around with new CCTV, new guidelines and table layouts that comply with social distancing and staffing.

“This gave the Council and the police the reassurance and confidence that the restaurant could open safely. We prefer to keep working with businesses like the Greek Meze to comply with regulations first.”

Environmental Health officers at Bromley council have stayed in touch with 650 contacts in food businesses to provide advice on how to operate as a takeaway.

Officers found problems around compliance in close contact service businesses, mainly barbers and beauty treatments, where practitioners refused to wear proper or any PPE.

There has also been a lack of compliance in a few independent pubs, restaurants and cafes around social distancing and contact tracing.