Lancaster City Council’s Covid Safe award scheme reached an important milestone recently when it notched up its 100th business.
Launched in October, the aim of the scheme is to support local businesses and give shoppers the confidence they need to return to the high street.
To qualify, businesses have to produce a comprehensive Covid-19 risk assessment, put in place appropriate controls, train staff so they understand Covid control measures, and comply with government and trade guidance to operate safely.
Lush on Penny Street in Lancaster has now joined the ranks of other local businesses, many of them small independents, to become the 100th business to be presented with their Covid Safe award.
Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for sustainable economic prosperity, said: “Despite the lifting of lockdown restrictions there are still many people who are reluctant to return to the high street because of the perceived risks.
“While it will never be possible to eliminate risk entirely, the Covid Safe award is a mark that a business has put in place all reasonable measures and controls so that customers and staff feel safeguarded when in the venue.
“Local businesses need our support if they are to survive the pandemic so I hope that through this scheme we are able to give people the confidence they need to return to the high street and support our district’s economy.”
The scheme has been singled out as an example of good practice by the government. It encourages feedback from the public to monitor those taking part for continued compliance and the council’s public protection staff carry out random visits to venues, as well as responding to poor customer feedback.
If they see one of the Covid Safe certificates in the window of a business, customers are being urged to scan the QR code, which will take them to a short survey and the opportunity to rate the business against key control measures.
For more information on the free scheme, how to take part, and a list of all the businesses awarded Covid Safe status, visit Lancaster.gov.uk/covid-safe.
For those businesses unable to open due to the district being placed in Tier 3 restrictions, a range of support is on offer, including business support grants. More information can be found at Lancaster.gov.uk/lrsg.
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Fire crews tackle vehicle fire on M6 near Lancaster
Poetry in motion as live workshop comes to Morecambe rail journey
Lancaster pupils highlight school crossing patrol road safety campaign
UK wide lettings agency takes over Lancaster student housing firm
Morecambe live music bar gets change of name
Firefighters put out large vehicle fire in Lancaster
Latest national rankings place Lancaster University third in north west
Work on new housing on Lancaster city centre car park continues
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
Police probe after spate of vehicle break-ins in Halton
LISTEN: Kindness has been overwhelming after Carnforth man's horrific swimming pool accident
