BUSINESSES in Trafford have been warned that they’re breaking the new coronavirus laws.

Council bosses have warned firms that they need to stop allowing people from different households to socialise together inside pubs, bars and restaurants.

Greater Manchester has been plunged into a Tier 2 lockdown, meaning people from different households can no longer mix in any indoor settings.

The aim is to curb the spread of coronavirus and the previous rules of no more than six people meeting at once and 10pm pub and restaurant curfews still apply. The rules mean you can meet with someone from a different household outdoors, with no more than six people in any one group.

But council enforcement teams have been carrying out daily visits to hospitality venues and are concerned that people from different households are continuing to socialise indoors.

They are also worried that some customers are failing to social distance and that others are refusing to wear face masks indoors.

Cllr Mike Freeman, public safety executive member, said: “We are urging all businesses across the borough to follow the rules on every occasion. The majority are complying totally but we are told a small number are allowing the rules to be broken.

“Remember, you are not allowed to socialise indoors with anyone from outside your household or social bubble and, if you do, you will receive a fine if caught. Everyone wants to be rid of this virus as soon as possible but the only way to achieve that is to follow the rules at all times. Our staff will be closely monitoring this situation.”

Eleanor Roaf, Trafford public health director, added: "We are at an extremely important stage in terms of curbing coronavirus at the moment and I would ask everyone please to do everything possible to reduce transmissions."