Great Yarmouth Borough Council launches new Covid Compliant scheme to increase confidence to visit local shops and venues

The aim of the scheme, which is free for businesses to join, is to help reassure customers that an establishment has in place the necessary risk assessment, safety measures and staff training to operate safely. In turn, the council hopes this will provide people with the extra reassurance they need to return to shops, bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants and other venues, to boost the local economy.

To qualify, businesses must have in place a comprehensive Covid-19 risk assessment, appropriate Covid-19 controls, train staff so they understand Covid control measures, and comply with Government and trade guidance to operate safely.

Businesses successful in meeting the criteria and gaining a Covid Compliant Award will be added to the Council website, as well as receiving a certificate to be displayed at their venue.

A key part of the scheme is feedback from the public to monitor those taking part for continued compliance. The council's Environmental Health Officers and Covid Marshals will carry out random visits to venues, as well as responding to poor customer feedback.

Cllr Carl Smith, leader of the council, said: "The pandemic has had a major impact on businesses within our local economy, which have spent time, effort and money on making their premises as safe as possible for their customers and staff.

"However, the public health emergency has not ended, and has had a huge impact on consumer confidence in returning to shops and venues.

"The aim of the Covid Compliant Scheme is to help reassure the public that a business has put all the appropriate measures and controls in place to ensure that both customers and staff feel safe when in the venue."

For more information on the free scheme and how to take part visit https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/covidcompliant.