Rothwell bar closed voluntarily over social distancing concerns

A Rothwell cocktail bar voluntarily shut its doors on Saturday night (August 8) because of concerns over social distancing.

Drinkers were dispersed from The Gin Palace in Market Hill after it was visited by police and environmental health officers.

A police spokesman said there were concerns over the number of people at the venue, but The Gin Palace say there were no more than 100 there when officers arrived with more waiting outside because of their one in, one out policy.

A spokesman for the bar said they voluntarily decided to close because a group of customers refused to abide by social distancing rules and then refused to leave.

The spokesman said: "The police were called in as a particular group of customers were paying flagrant disregard to the distancing rules we have in place and despite being asked to separate or leave, ignored these requests.

"To prevent any further [issues] as well as danger to both our customers and staff, we unfortunately made the difficult decision to close for the night, regroup and have since had a group discussion to make sure we're better prepared for this coming weekend."

Police assisted with the dispersal of drinkers and a spokesman for the force said everyone was compliant, although the Gin Palace spokesman said 12 were escorted out.

A Kettering Council spokesman said: "Kettering Council are aware and are working with the police, and will take appropriate action."

On Friday Kettering Council served Aqua Nightclub in Gold Street with a banning notice after it opened despite emergency coronavirus laws prohibiting it from doing so.

Earlier this year The Gin Palace owner Lee Thorn was fined thousands after selling booze without a licence.

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