Hospitality and leisure businesses across the South West are being reminded that any flouting of lockdown rules will be taken seriously and investigated.

Trading Standards Teams across Devon, Somerset and Torbay are reminding hospitality and leisure businesses in the area that, with very few exceptions, all hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, holiday rentals, campsites and boarding houses should remain closed for commercial use until further notice.

Additionally, all restaurants, public houses, wine bars, cafes, canteens and other food and drink establishments must also close unless they are providing food for takeaway or delivery only, with holidaymakers are also reminded that visiting the West Country for leisure is not regarded as essential travel and they risk receiving a fine from the Police.

Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Trading Standards said: “Although the lockdown is due to be reviewed this week, we need our local businesses to continue to act responsibly and follow the government guidance.

“The vast majority of businesses across the region have done well to comply with the measures so far, which is excellent. Thanks to them, and the way we have all changed our behaviour, infection rates here are slower and lower than in other parts of the country.

“But we can’t get complacent. It is now more vital than ever that we continue to abide by the restrictions the government have put in place in order to protect the NHS and save lives.”

It comes as council leaders and over 100,000 key workers in the South West have joined forces to urge people to ‘do the right thing’ and not travel to the region for the bank holiday weekend.

They have said thank you to every member of the public who has stayed away from tourist hot spots this year and have issued a plea to local people to continue to think twice about unnecessary journeys.

Cllr Judy Pearce, leader of South Hams District Council, said: "Our beach car parks are closed, as are the bars and restaurants that visitors and day-trippers would use.

"The keyworkers in our local shops and supermarkets are working round the clock to provide provisions and essentials for local people. If you come here to visit you will be putting extra pressure on them at a time when they are already stretched, and you may be putting local people at risk. Please save your visit for when this is all over when we shall look forward to seeing you."

"But now is not the time to rest on our laurels. This bank holiday please keep up the good work, stay in your primary residence, your home county and if you are a South West local, take your daily exercise close to your home. Please do not be tempted to break the rules."

Devon County Council leader John Hart, who also chairs the organisation representing local authorities throughout the region, South West Councils, argues that this bank holiday, the stay away message is particularly poignant: He said "This Friday as we celebrate the anniversary of VE day perhaps we should all reflect on the sacrifices that so many people made in the past to ensure we enjoy the freedoms and liberties that we are temporarily deprived of at the moment.

"To those thinking about travelling to the South West for holiday or social purposes, please come back later. We all have a part to play in this endeavour.”