Street 'ambassadors' will patrol Thanet ensuring businesses are following Covid regualtions and not putting lives at risk.

The new team are to visit 1,400 food and licensed premises to provide guidance on how to comply with the guidelines.

They will be checking for any breaches and reporting businesses to the district council enforcement team should action be needed.

Cllr Steve Albon said: “In June of this year, when restrictions eased following the first national lockdown, the vast majority of the district’s venues scrupulously complied with the regulations designed to ensure the safety of customers and stop the further spread of Covid-19.

"There were, however, a handful of venues who did not follow proper procedures and potentially put lives at risk.

“Our ambassador team will help support our businesses when they can start trading again.

"They will work with licensees and owners to remind them of their responsibilities and the tough action that will be taken against anyone found to be breaking the rules. Paramount in our minds is people’s safety and it is only by everyone playing their part and following the regulations that we will suppress this virus.”

The new posts are funded by the £92,000 received from the No10’s Covid emergency funds for local government.

The ambassadors, who have experience from uniformed services, have been given a full training programme.

Their main objective is to educate businesses and give guidance on how to be Covid secure.

They are in addition to the 'street wardens' who are out on high streets managing pedestrian flow, encouraging social distancing and reminding shoppers to wear face coverings.

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