Birmingham City Council has been given new enforcement powers to help keep the rate of COVID-19 infections reducing.

The new powers will enable the council and police to close down businesses that flout regulations such as not complying with social distancing or accepting bookings for more than six people from two different households.

Birmingham City Council has been given new enforcement powers to help keep the rate of COVID-19 infections reducing.

The new powers will enable the council and police to close down businesses that flout regulations such as not complying with social distancing or accepting bookings for more than six people from two different households.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council said: 'These new powers will allow us to intervene when businesses are putting staff and customers at risk of infection.

'By all working together to take action now, we can hopefully bring the numbers down, prevent further restrictions and protect the health and jobs of people across the city.'