KFC fined for breaking 10pm coronavirus curfew

Both restaurants on Cowley Road were caught taking orders and serving customers at their doors after 10pm.

Although takeaways can continue operating after 10pm using a delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru, the law forbids them from taking orders and serving food in their premises or at their door after 10pm.

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The aim is to stop fast food takeaways from forming crowds after bars and pubs close at 10pm.

Oxford City Council officers visited the takeaways after complaints and saw:

• KFC staff serving customers and taking orders at the door at 11.40pm on September 28
• People inside KFC and staff taking orders at the door at 10.45pm on September 30
• Allowing customers into KFC and taking orders at 10.58pm on October 2
• Bodrum Kebab staff serving customers at the door and on the street at 11.59pm on October 2

Both companies were issued with the £1,000 fine on 6 October.

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The city council has the power to fine businesses up to £10,000 but said it chose a smaller fine because it was the first offence for both restaurants.

Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for a Safer, Healthy Oxford, said: “Our Covid Secure Team has been out and about across Oxford for several weeks and the vast majority of businesses are complying with the new rules.

“We’ve been particularly impressed with the pubs and bars in the city centre, many of which have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.

“But any businesses that break the coronavirus rules are irresponsibly making the city less safe for everyone, and they should know that we will take action against them.

“I would like to thank the members of the public who reported KFC Cowley Road and Bodrum to us, and encourage anyone who has concerns about a business in Oxford not complying with coronavirus rules to contact us.”