Three pubs and three restaurants have each been hit with a £1,000 fine for serving customers after 10pm.

Gravesham council issued the fines after it had previously written to all businesses in the area making them aware of their responsibilities under the new regulations.

The money from the fines is likely to go to voluntary and charitable organisations supporting those struggling during the pandemic.

Government guidelines state that pubs must close at 10pm and while takeaways could continue to deliver meals after that time, walk-in customers must not be served.

Leader of Gravesham council, Cllr John Burden said: "When the government introduced the 10pm curfew for hospitality premises I went public saying this council would adopt an educational and advisory approach, engaging with local businesses as they got used to the new rules and only moving to enforcement reluctantly and as a last resort.

"It saddens me to say that having written to all businesses in the borough explaining the new rules, our enforcement teams subsequently collected evidence of a minority of hospitality venues continuing to serve walk-in customers after 10pm."

The government has indicated that when the November lockdown ends, England will be returning to the tiered method of Covid restrictions, with the likelihood of the curfew being reinstated.

Cllr Burden has warned the businesses concerned if that is the case, fines increase rapidly for subsequent incidents.

A second offence merits a £2,000 penalty, a third £4,000, and a fourth incurs a £10,000 fine.

He continued: "I am disappointed we have had to take this action against local businesses and I hope they now understand that we are serious about ensuring everyone is obeying the rules in the fight against Covid-19.

"We want to support our fantastic local businesses through these incredibly difficult times.

"We will be working hard to contact all those who qualify for financial support during this second lockdown, just as we did during the spring and summer.

"But while we will do everything we can to support those facing hardship as a result of obeying the rules, we will not tolerate those who think they can ignore them.

"While I sincerely hope we have no need to take any further action, our enforcement officers will be out throughout November ensuring the new lockdown regulations are being adhered to.

"It is vital we all play our part in bringing the infection rate back under control, which in turn will allow those businesses obliged to close their doors the chance of getting back to business at the earliest opportunity.

The council will be looking to use the money to continue to support voluntary and charitable organisations within the borough which are providing support for local people facing ongoing hardship caused by Covid-19.

It hasn't been revealed which firms were fined.

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