Coronavirus (COVID-19) operating your premises safely

This advice is for business owners in the Borough of Scarborough who operate premises where the public visit. You may already be offering these services, or you may be thinking about how you can do this safely in the future.

Before opening to the wider public you must consider the government’s Working Safely During COVID-19 guidance. Further details can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

You may also want to think of alternative ways of delivering your business. For example operating a 'click and collect' service in your shop or doing home delivery of food from your cafe.

What does the law say?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a risk to health that must be managed by the employer, in order to comply with the law.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 applies to all workplaces. It requires employers to take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of employees whilst at work and also others who may be affected by what they do, this includes members of the public and visitors. Before reopening, you should ensure the safety of your premises by:

• Carrying out a COVID-19 risk assessment
• Developing cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures for staff and customers
• Helping members of staff work from home, where possible
• Maintaining two metres social distancing (one metre plus from 4 July) between staff and customers, where possible
• Where people cannot be the required distance apart, manage the transmission risk

To assist businesses managing the risk of Covid-19 we have produced three guidance documents for different business sectors. The documents provide information on practical measures that you can implement. The measures detailed are not exhaustive but provide a starting point for you and your business.

1. Guidance for non-essential retail
2. Guidance for hotels and other guest accommodation
3. Guidance for restaurants, cafés, pubs and other catering businesses

In addition to this guidance, we have also introduced controls on the streets outside business premises upon request, in order to help businesses and members of the public stay safe whilst shopping.

If you have any queries please contact us via covid19businesssupport@scarborough.gov.uk or 01723 232323.