Businesses across Dartford have been reminded of their legal obligations after receiving a number of warnings over coronavirus regulation breaches.

More than 20 takeaways, cafes, hairdressers and a pub have been sent warning letters since lockdown rules were first eased in July last year before being tightened once again.

In total, Dartford council's enforcement team has received 251 complaints in that time.

Of these 39 were referred to another agency and 74 had no action taken as there was deemed to have been no breach of the health protection regulations.

Enforcement teams carried out a total of 27 visits to businesses across the borough handing out 22 warning letters related to staff not wearing masks and failure to carry out risk assessments and display track and trace information.

Two kebab shops and a pizza takeaway in East Hill were also reprimanded for staying open after the 10pm curfew following visits in October.

The vast majority of breaches related to takeaway cafes and restaurants with just one Dartford pub and a newsagent each inspected for breaches related to the regulations.

According to a freedom of information request, the highest number of complaints received was during the latest lockdown with 74 businesses warned in January.

Meanwhile, August saw the least number of concerns raised with just 10 reminded of their duties.

So far, just the one prohibition notice has been served on Reflexions Gym in West Hill after police were called to reports a group were working out at the premises in January.

The gym's manager later branded police overzealous after they dished out fines to himself and two people he claims were trying to fix his roof.

Dartford council says its enforcement teams have worked with police throughout the pandemic to uphold lockdown rules.

In this time it says the majority of businesses it inspected were "doing the right thing" and had introduced measures to keep staff and customers safe.

As part of this process it said support was also provided to businesses including guidance on adhering to Covid regulations.

It added in most cases, even where a complaint or inspection has disclosed a breach, businesses have responded quickly and positively to put things right.

Under Prime Minister Boris Johnson's four-step plan to ease England's lockdown, non-essential retail could reopen on April 12 with restaurants and pub gardens allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors.

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