Decision details

THAT the Leader of the Council:

1)    Authorises the temporary closure, until further notice of the Richard Herrod Centre Bar and the Bonington Theatre Bar from 30 October 2020.

2)    Authorises the temporary closure, until further notice of the indoor café area at Café 1899 from 30th October 2020, with takeaway services continuing to be provided from the hatch at the premises.

3)    Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Leisure Services and Parks and Street Care to authorise any operational measures or decisions necessary to facilitate the temporary closure of the facilities at the Richard Herrod Centre, the Bonington Theatre Bar and Café 1899.

4)    Authorises, from 30th October 2020, the cessation, until further notice, of indoor group exercise classes at Council Leisure Centres, in line with additional local restrictions and government guidance.

5)    Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Leisure Services to authorise any operational measure necessary to facilitate the cancelling of group exercise classes at Council Leisure Centres, in line with additional local restrictions and government guidance; and

6)    Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Community Relations to make any operational decisions necessary to ensure the use of Community Centres is in accordance with the Regulations, additional local restrictions and government guidance, as detailed in this report.

To ensure compliance with the Regulations, local restrictions and government guidance in relation to Covid-19 Tier 3.

To ensure that any closure, or other necessary measures are undertaken in a way that is safe and to ensure any operational decisions can be taken quickly without overburdening the Executive.

There is no alternative to closure of the bar facilities as to remain open would be contrary to the Regulations and could result in enforcement action being taken against the Council. The decision could be taken to close down leisure centres and the Bonington Theatre entirely, however this is not considered necessary at this time and would be going beyond the restrictions imposed by the Regulations and additional local restrictions.

Café 1899 could remain open and switch to serving “substantial meals”, however, given the lack of demand and footfall at the Café since its reopening in June, it is not considered to be commercially sound to do this. The move to the takeaway service only, will have little impact on the sale of food to customers, given that current footfall is low.

Indoor exercise classes, are permitted to continue under the Regulations at the current time, however, strong advice from government is that they do not continue. Given the high levels of infection rates of Covid-19 in Gedling currently, it is considered necessary to cease such activities to reduce the risk of infection.

Various delegations are sought to ensure that operationally facilities can close or continue to operate in line with Regulations, additional local restrictions and government guidance. It is considered necessary to do this so as not to overburden the Executive with operational decisions.

Community Centres could be closed entirely, however, they are potentially a valuable space for communities where used for exempt purposes, as such, provided they are operated in a Covid secure way, they can remain open for certain uses.