Enforcement officers will take action against any accommodation providers who flout the Covid-19 business closure rules this bank holiday weekend, Cornwall Council has warned. 

At the start of the first extended weekend since the government eased some of its lockdown restrictions, the council is repeating the public health safety message to visitors to please come back later. 

Restrictions on holiday accommodation remain in place and public protection officers will be responding to complaints of any businesses suspected of breaking the rules over the weekend, including making inspections of potential premises open illegally to holidaymakers. 

Since the lockdown began at the end of March, Cornwall Council has responded to more than 2,100 complaints and will continue to do so for as long as is necessary using the same ‘Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce’ model. 

Anyone concerned that a business may be flouting the rules can contact Cornwall Council on 0300 123 1118 or at covid19@cornwall.gov.uk.  

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There are some exemptions to holiday accommodation being open, for example people living there permanently, people not being able to return home and accommodation for key workers.

Evidence to support these claimed exemptions are checked by officers.  

Police have warned that they have the option to visit and fine people staying at second homes, caravans and campervans and will ask them to return home.

Cornwall Council itself has not been given any legal powers under the coronavirus emergency laws to ask people to leave their second homes, it said.

The council added: "Residents planning to enjoy the sunshine this weekend are reminded to please do so responsibly and observe social distancing rules at all times. 

"If anyone is concerned that others may not be, they are urged to avoid confrontations and contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."

Rob Nolan, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for environment and public protection, said: “Now that the government guidance has changed it’s easy for us all to think we can relax and get back to normal.

“But the virus is still here and we need to continue our good work to try and contain this illness and prevent it from spreading through our communities.

“If you’re a resident, enjoy our beautiful coastline and countryside responsibly and respectfully this weekend and remember to be social distancing at all times.

"If a beach or park or carpark appears very busy, the safest thing to do is to turn back and go somewhere else.

“If you are a visitor please don’t come to Cornwall now but we ask you to please come back later when this crisis is over.”

To report a business suspected of breaking the closure rules contact Cornwall Council on 0300 123 1118 or at covid19@cornwall.gov.uk.  

For any social gatherings concerns contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. 

The government has produced guidance on business closures for further reference. For additional advice contact the council’s Business Support Hub at businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk.