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.
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
