Birmingham Tipu Sultan restaurant reprimanded for flouting COVID-19 safety rules

A Birmingham restaurant has been reprimanded for breaking government health and safety rules during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Tipu Sultan restaurant, located in Moseley, is the first business in the city to receive a Direction Order from Birmingham City Council after it was found to be breaching COVID-19 guidelines.

New powers from government means that the council and police may investigate reports of business premises which are failing to comply with COVID-secure risk assessments and, if necessary, reduce the numbers of people present, restrict numbers in areas of the premises or close the premises.

The Tipu Sultan restaurant was issued with a Direction Order yesterday (August 27), after officers responded to approximately 25 reports of events being held at the premises with significantly more people than the government guidance of a maximum of 30 in any gathering.

The inspection also found that safety measures detailed within the restaurants risk assessment had not been implemented all of the time, and that social distancing in the queue for entry and in waiting areas of the restaurant had not being maintained or controlled in an acceptable manner.

Guide to COVID-19 safety compliance for businesses:

• Maintain 2m social distancing
• Wash hands and use hand sanitiser
• Increase cleaning in the workplace
• Wear face coverings where appropriate
• Your staff are a precious resource ensure staff with symptoms do not work and get tested to prevent your business having to close

How customers can remain vigilant:

• Has the business asked for your name and contact details for track and trace?
• Does the business have adequate space in-between tables/seating for social distancing?
• Are the staff wearing PPE?
• Are tables and chairs being thoroughly cleansed in-between reservations?
• Is there handwash and sanitiser readily available?

Head of Environmental Health, Mark Croxford said: “Numerous reports have been made to the council, the police and local councillors that events are being held at Tipu Sultan with significantly more people than the government guidance of a maximum of 30 in any one party.”

“As a result, at least 5 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been linked to the premises over a period of 4 weeks. A Direction Order was necessary in order to protect against the spread of coronavirus.

“I look forward to the Tipu Sultan making the required changes so that their staff and customers can have a more positive, safer experience.”

The Direction Order will come in to effect on Saturday (August 29), and stipulates that the restaurant must restrict entry into the premises; not allow bookings of more than 30 people, ensuring large parties are given a separate dining area; implement a booking system to prevent people from queuing outside; and use the booking system to allow time for tables to be thoroughly cleansed.

The order will be kept under regular review and a failure to comply could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or a new direction closing the premises being issued.

Despite the order, a statement on the restaurant’s website suggests the establishment is aware of and implementing recommended measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus:

“Following government guidelines we endeavour to provide a safe dining environment and would ask you to comply with social distancing measures of a minimum of 1 metre with other dining guests.

“We wish you a joyful and safe dining experience. If you require any further clarification or guidance please do not hesitate to seek advise from one of restaurant representatives. Look after yourselves and each other.”

Birmingham City Council have reminded businesses that they must enforce Government guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This includes ensuring customers and staff comply with social distancing and wear appropriate PPE and face coverings, unless exempt and where required; enforcing track and trace systems; and in hospitality industries, not accepting bookings for groups from more than two households or support bubbles.

The council is encouraging customers to report any business which is putting staff or customers at risk: www.birmingham.gov.uk/xfp/form/755 or call 0121 303 1116.