BUSINESSES and residents across Barrow are being urged to follow guidelines after concerns were raised about households mixing and meeting up indoors in pubs and restaurants.

As the borough of Barrow and the rest of Cumbria is in Tier 2, restrictions are in place that state that you must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors.

This includes in pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment venues, personal care/close contact services and public buildings, such as libraries, community centres and halls.

At least one person in the group should give their contact details to the venue, or each individual should check in using the official NHS Covid-19 app so NHS Test and Trace can contact you if needed.

Businesses could face a fine if they do not comply with the regulations and are being urged to check details when accepting bookings from customers and at the venue itself.

Businesses and venues that fail to comply with these restrictions may face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution, or in some cases closure.

Councillor Lee Roberts, deputy leader of Barrow Council, said: “Please show your support by following the rules. It’s only by minimising the spread of the virus that we can look forward to being able to enjoy our fantastic businesses more as soon as possible.

“Businesses must check people are from the same household or household bubble when accepting bookings from members of the public."