Stay safe in Hackney this weekend: supporting businesses to reopen
Residents and businesses are being urged to act responsibly as Hackney Council supports pubs, restaurants and other businesses and venues in reopening safely this Saturday.
The Council’s enforcement teams and extra police officers will be patrolling over the weekend to help keep residents safe – alongside support, information and free materials for businesses and their staff to help them follow Government coronavirus rules.
Customers should follow the rules and instructions put in place by businesses – including washing their hands regularly, watching their distance and wearing a face covering where 2m social distancing isn’t possible.
Shoppers will also be welcome back at more Council-run street markets, with Hoxton and Kingsland Road markets reopening on Saturday, and Leonard Street, Old Street and Narrow Way markets reopening from Monday. Ridley Road Market has remained open throughout the crisis providing essential supplies and continues to be, with details about Chatsworth Road and Broadway markets available soon.
Strict safety measures will be in place, including crowd barriers, two-metre floor markings and one-way systems, with social distancing advisors on hand and signage displayed to help customers.
Council play areas and outdoor gyms will remain closed this weekend, while safety checks are completed on equipment that has not been used since March, and signage is produced to advise on their safe use. The Council hopes to reopen play areas and outdoor gyms in parks from next week.
While it will be great to see more people out enjoying themselves, it’s also as important as ever to respect neighbours and remember that some people are still staying at home or nervous about returning to our streets.
We know that some residents will be concerned about anti-social behaviour this weekend, which is why we have a clear plan in place and have worked closely with businesses, police and other partners to keep everyone safe. Many of our streets and pavements in Hackney are residential and narrow, so please also consider those who may have mobility issues.
This crisis is far from over and it’s everyone’s responsibility to play their part – so please, as you show your support for local businesses this weekend, remember to be considerate, especially to fellow residents, follow the guidance and stay safe
From 4 July, pubs, restaurants, hotels and other businesses, as well as places of worship, will be able to reopen as long as they follow the Government’s covid-secure guidelines. Residents can also meet in groups with up to two households, and meet outdoors in groups of up to six people from any household.
The Council’s Hackney Business Network has run advice sessions and distributed free social distancing materials over the last few weeks to help businesses plan to reopen.
Licensing, environmental health and trading standards officers will also be working over the weekend, visiting businesses to address any concerns raised. If residents are worried a business isn’t operating safely, they can contact technicalbusinesssupport@hackney.gov.uk
The Council is already seeking an injunction to temporarily ban drinking in London Fields Park following weeks of unacceptably high levels of litter, public urination/defecation and disturbance to local people.
Broadway Market remains closed to through-traffic and pavements remain widened at several locations across the borough to make it easier for people to maintain social distancing and shop safely, and more details about how the Council will support businesses with other measures – including pavement trading – will be published in the coming weeks.
The Council is also providing a comprehensive advice park to churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious buildings to help them reopen further – allowing some services.
The full guidance about what you can and can't do from 4 July is available on the Government's coronavirus website. For detailed information about business support, visit the business support pages.