aware that the chances of a spot check are possibly increased . Within recent months , the HSE has put out notices to places including Blackburn , Greater Manchester and Bradford to announce that it will be making sure businesses in the area COVID-secure . Multiple visits are increasingly common , to ensure changes are being implemented .

Are punitive measures being taken ?

So far , there has been no documented case where a business has faced punitive action as a result of failing to comply with COVID guidance . However , down the line , it is reasonable to expect punitive measures if a business has not got things right .

A COVID inspection is primarily intended to provide affected businesses with guidance , but where breaches are identified , the HSE has stated it will take action , from providing specific advice to halting the unsafe practice or even issuing enforcement notices . A July statement clarified that failure to comply could lead to prosecution .

Currently , HSE fines and penalties in the case of a breach are decided on the basis of the culpability of the organisation , the risk of harm created and the size of the business based on

turnover . This last aspect will be particularly pertinent in the case of future fines for businesses that may have faced a sharp drop in turnover as a result of the pandemic .

The ability to repay a fine is a factor in sentencing decisions , and judges do not hand down fines to financially ruin a company . However , the level of fine is intended to have a real economic impact and send a strong message to both management and shareholders of the need to comply with health and safety legislation . Whether reasonable leniency in punitive measures may be taken , on the basis of financial difficulties and the evolving guidance businesses must keep up with , remains to be seen .

In many ways , COVID inspections must be approached in the same manner as a standard HSE inspection : prepare , prepare , prepare . Whilst you may not be given notice of an impending visit , by following COVID-secure guidance as early as possible , where reasonably practicable , and ensuring it is up-to-date with evolving advice , an organisation can take the first steps to meeting HSE and Government standards .

Peter James , partner and head of health & safety , London , BLM

A widespread safety initiative , including the use of personal protection equipment , social distancing measures and food hygiene measures , has been implemented to ensure adherence to government COVID-19 guidelines .

Plans have been put in place to ensure that restaurants will be receiving the first grouse in time for serving this evening .

For restaurant owners , the relief felt that the shooting season can go ahead is substantial . The Gladwin Brothers , a second-generation company which runs four game-serving London restaurants , typifies the importance of game to this country ’ s celebrated hospitality sector and the tradition of creativity that lies at its heart .

Oliver Gladwin , Gladwin Brothers Chef , says : “ I ’ m extremely glad that the season has been given the green light . The game we produce is the backbone of my menu . Even during the summer months we ’ re serving pigeon , rabbit and squirrel , and from today onwards it ’ ll be grouse .

“ My style of cooking is , ‘ what grows together , goes together ’, so while I was out on the moors this morning picking the first grouse to be eaten this evening , I was also picking the meadowsweet to go along with it . It ’ s a delicious flower with a distinct almond profile . Once you ’ ve