Abersoch café slapped with closure notice after Covid rule breaches

Gareth Williams, local democracy reporter

An Abersoch café and bar has been slapped with a temporary closure notice for failing to comply with Covid-19 regulations.

According to Gwynedd Council, a number of complaints were received regarding Apres Sea’s failure to adhere to regulations and putting the necessary measures in place to protect staff and customers.

Following an investigation by public protection enforcement officers, warnings were issued to the business, but it had “failed to put in place the necessary steps to minimise the risk to the public.”

With the Premises Closure Notice having been issued on June 25, it will remain in place for up to 14 days.

The authority said there was concern that the business on Abersoch High Street, which only opened its doors earlier this year, had failed to ensure:

• A distance of 2 metres between any persons on the premises, except between members of a permitted group;
• Reasonable measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to coronavirus that arises where persons gather in close proximity;
• A person controlling entry to the premises;
• That customers were seated

‘Delta variant’ 

Cllr Gareth Griffith, Gwynedd’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “At a time when we have seen an increase in the more transmissible Delta variant of the virus, we are grateful to the vast majority of Gwynedd businesses who are working extremely hard to keep customers safe and to comply with the Covid-19 regulations.

 “Businesses have a responsibility to take all reasonable measures to minimise the public’s risk of exposure to Covid-19 – be that staff or customers. Their ongoing efforts help to keep our communities safe.

“Unfortunately, Apres Sea in Abersoch has continued to disregard the advice and warnings offered to them.

“The council’s staff offer help and guidance to businesses, but we cannot ignore instances when businesses such as this one refuse to play their part in keeping people safe.”

Apres Sea has been approached to comment.