Enforcement action has been taken against three pubs after they failed to ensure a Covid-secure environment for the protection of staff and customers.

South Tyneside Council has served directions to close Dougie’s Tavern in Blackett Street, Hebburn, Hebburn Sports and Social Club and The Bridge in Wenlock Road, South Shields.

It comes after Environmental Health officers made several spot checks to the premises over recent weeks, where the pubs’ management were reminded of the rules around social distancing, received guidance on how to improve and effectively manage Covid security and updates on legislation.

Dougie’s Tavern was also given advice regarding parties and wakes, in line with new rules effective from 14 September. However, in response to a complaint, officers made a further visit last Friday, where they observed a wake at the venue, despite earlier reassurances from the pub that no such bookings had been made. Guest numbers exceeded the permitted maximum limit and data gathering arrangements for test and trace were found to be ineffective.

Hebburn Sports and Social Club had previously been issued with a letter identifying it as a ‘premises of concern’ and was being closely monitored when officers visiting on Saturday witnessed the venue still open and mostly full at the required 10pm closing time, with little evidence of social distancing rules being effectively managed.

During a further spot check at The Bridge on Saturday, officers observed contraventions of the social distancing guidance.

All three pubs are now required to close for seven days, from 7pm on tomorrow.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “Visits were made to around 170 hospitality premises over the weekend, with officers finding high levels of compliance and most businesses successfully adapted to meet the new restrictions. We greatly appreciate this and thank those premises for their co-operation and continued efforts to keep people safe.

“Unfortunately, there are some exceptions with a small minority continually putting the health and safety of our residents at risk. In cases where venues have repeatedly flouted the regulations, we have been left with no other option but to take action."

The owners of the three pubs will now be required to make sure appropriate measures are in place to protect staff and customers before they can be re-opened as safely as possible.