'Covid marshals' to keep Rugby pub-goers safe as new restrictions introduced - The Rugby Observer

'Covid marshals' to keep Rugby pub-goers safe as new restrictions introduced

Rugby Editorial 24th Sep, 2020   0

COMMUNITY Wardens are taking to the streets of Rugby to keep pub-goers safe, as pubs and restaurants introduce new restrictions to help beat Covid-19.

Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) Community Wardens are taking on new ‘Covid-marshal’ responsibilities from

today (Thursday September 24).

From today, all businesses in the hospitality sector must display a QR code for the NHS contact tracing app, close by 10pm, and offer table service only. Customers and staff must wear a face covering except when sat at their tables, which must seat no more than six.




The government has encouraged local authorities to provide ‘Covid marshals’ to help businesses and residents to remember the rules and keep to them as they enjoy a night out.

RBC’s Community Wardens have been chosen for the role as they are already known to licensed premises, and are familiar faces in the town centre, parks and open spaces around the borough.


They will work alongside the Rugby First Rangers during the day and Rugby Street Pastors on weekend evenings, whose focus will be on resident welfare. The police will remain responsible for dealing with any criminal behaviour.

RBC leader Coun Seb Lowe said: “Our Community Wardens have a reputation for being a friendly, calming influence, and have been a great help to licensed premises by offering advice and guidance on being Covid secure.

“The wardens are able to issue fixed penalty notices for minor offences, but their focus first and foremost is on helping residents and businesses to do the right thing for Rugby.

“We know that residents want to enjoy a visit to the pub or to a restaurant without facing an army of enforcement officers – but we also know that keeping apart and wearing a mask can be forgotten through the evening.

“We hope that a friendly reminder from our team will be all it takes to keep everyone safe and to keep our evening economy open for business.”

Rugby Borough Council’s Community Wardens have multi-disciplinary powers and responsibilities covering littering and environmental crime, antisocial behaviour and support for licensed and food premises.

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