Staffordshire County Council has approved new powers allowing it to impose greater restrictions on businesses who do not comply with Coronavirus restrictions.

The powers, under the new Health Protection Regulations, now give the authority the ability to impose restrictions on a wide range of businesses, including pubs and licensed premises, that it decides aren't doing enough to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Biddulph Nub News reported recently how the authority was due to consider the powers at its latest Cabinet meeting.

Now, the authority has agreed to approve the powers after holding that meeting yesterday (Wednesday).

In extreme cases, the county council can now close a business if it feels not enough steps are being taken to keep people safe.

The new powers apply to premises, events, and even open spaces. Closure notices will only be issued as a last resort, and any decision will be reviewed after seven days.

The county council has said that it will be doing everything it can to advise and support premises on the measures needed to stop the spread of Covid-19 before any decision is made.

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing said: "Everyone has a part to play in halting the spread of Covid-19.

"Whilst the vast majority of businesses are complying with the guidance, we have been made aware of a number of premises that aren't following it, and potentially putting the people who use them at risk.

"This paper details how we are stepping up our powers to ensure businesses, premises and events are following the guidance to keep people safe.

"Any potential closure will be a last resort—we will continue to work with businesses to help them comply with the regulations, but the safety of the public has to come first."