Despite the best efforts of the council, around 55% of businesses in Barking and Dagenham are still not following all of the rules put in place by the government to stop the spread of coronavirus.

In the last two weeks, council enforcement officers visited 270 businesses where concerns have been raised about Covid related issues and have also handed out 10 Fixed Penalty Notices of £1000 each to those found to have continued to flout the rules.

As part of the visits, the Royal Oak pub on Longbridge Road, Barking was issued with a closure notice following an incident where a young male was stabbed. As a result, CCTV footage was viewed and enforcement officers observed at least 10 people standing at the bar and a large group sat on the table behind them.

The footage also shows no social distancing, no masks being worn and no table service taking place as well as the premises staying open beyond 10pm.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “It really is such a shame to still see so many businesses not following the coronavirus rules. We understand it is a tough time for businesses, but we all have to work together to beat this horrific virus.

“With the Royal Oak it’s clear that they have just completely dismissed the rules and have been acting as normal. We don’t want to temporarily close businesses, but we will if we need to, like we have done here.”

The notice came into effect at 6pm on Tuesday 27 October and the pub must remain closed until 10pm on Monday 9 November.

If residents know of a business flouting the rules, they can report them online at www.lbbd.gov.uk/covidabuse.