KFC and Bodrum Kebab takeaway on Cowley Road have been hit with fines from the Oxford City Council after breaking COVID-19 restrictions.
Both businesses have been charged £1,000 after enforcement officers from the newly formed COVID Secure Team witnessed the companies continuing to serve customers after 10pm.
The Oxford City Council said: “Although takeaways can continue operating after 10pm using a delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru, the law forbids them from taking orders and serving food in their premises or at their door after 10pm”.
The City Council is able to fine businesses up to £10,000 for breaking the COVID-19 regulations, but given that it was the businesses’ first infraction, chose to set the fine at £1,000.
Councillor Louise Upton said: “Any businesses that break the coronavirus rules are irresponsibly making the city less safe for everyone, and they should know that we will take action against them.”
Councillor Upton also states that city-centre pubs and bars have “gone above and beyond” to protect their staff and customers. She added: “The vast majority of businesses are complying with the new rules.”
The Council said that both takeaways were visited after complaints from the public. When officers visited, they saw KFC continuing to serve customers on three separate occasions after 10pm, while Bodrum Kebab staff were seen serving customers and taking orders at the door at 11:59pm on Friday 2nd October.
A manager at Bodrum’s Kebab told the BBC when contacted that they “served customers who have a car outside” and that they “are allowed to sell to customers with vehicles outside”. She went on to say: “Some people are jealous that we are getting customers.”
Since receiving the fines there have been no further reports of either business breaching the regulations. Both businesses are also still in operation, with advertised opening hours at KFC at between 11:00-22:00, with delivery extending to 23:45.
KFC and Bodrum’s Kebab have been contacted for comment.
Image credit: Steve Daniels
