An Indian restaurant in Tewkesbury has been hit by a fixed penalty fine of £1,000 for failure to follow coronavirus safety requirements.

Crystal Rivers received the fine - reduced to £500 for paying within 14 days - for failing to display a test and trace QR code after environmental health officers received a complaint.

The restaurant was also found to not be keeping test and trace records while staff were advised on the need to wear face masks when serving tables.

Councillor Jim Mason, Tewkesbury Borough Council's lead member for clean and green environment, said: "Before the most recent regulations, the restaurant had been broadly compliant with Covid-19 regulations, so it's a shame a fixed penalty notice had to be issued.

"I must stress - there is no room for complacency with this virus. Numbers are rising across the country and we must do all we can to control it.

"If this means taking local enforcement action, we will not hesitate."

He continued: "The regulations are designed to protect staff and customers in retail and hospitality settings from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

"Sticking to the regulations will help keep us all safe, so our officers will be revisiting businesses and carrying out spot checks to make sure everyone is complying."

Penalties increase if further fixed penalty notices are issued and there will no longer be the option to make an early payment and reduce the amount.

Environmental health officers have been providing advice and guidance on new measures as they are amended.