Chamber of Commerce has said it welcomes the introduction of Covid marshals in the city to advise businesses on their responsibilities during the second national lockdown.
Bristol City Council has said it plans to have at least 16 marshals operating around the city in an initiative announced before the latest month-long lockdown came into effect yesterday. 
The marshals, the first of whom took up their posts today after receiving specialist training, will explain Covid-19 secure guidance to businesses, including those suspected of flouting measures aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
However, they will not be able to enforce Covid-19 regulations or have other enforcement powers, which will remain the remit of the police and designated local authority compliance and enforcement officers, the council has said.
James Durie, pictured, chief executive of Bristol Chamber of Commerce at Business West, said: “This second national lockdown will inevitably be a very difficult time for citizens and businesses alike.
“The Covid marshals are a welcome addition to the city and will support businesses that continue to adapt to challenging circumstances to ensure the safety of staff and customers.
“It is hoped that their presence will also increase public confidence in visiting essential shops during lockdown, and high streets and shopping centres on re-opening.”
A marshals will also help residents to stay safe by offering advice on government guidance, helping with queues and social distancing, handing out face masks and sanitiser, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “The new Covid marshals are one way we can all work together to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“The number of people who have been infected in the city has been rapidly rising over the past few weeks, and we can’t be complacent.
“While we all need to stay home as much as possible during lockdown, the Covid marshals will help you stay safe if you do need to go out during this challenging time. Working with local businesses, they will help everyone comply with the rules which are designed to prevent Covid-19 spreading.
“We ask everyone to please be kind to our marshals; they are doing their best in very difficult circumstances. If you are approached by a marshal, please cooperate with them and be respectful. Now is the time for us to all pull together and do as much as we can to stop transmission of Covid-19 and ensure our city can re-open safely as soon as possible.”
Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Mark Runacres at Avon and Somerset Police said: “Our approach has always been to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the Covid-19 safety guidance, with enforcement action only taken against those who breach the legal requirements as a last resort.
“We welcome the support of the new Covid marshals in explaining to people how to follow the rules to help to keep our community safe.
“We have introduced a new team to respond to reports of coronavirus breaches and will be working closely with our partners to enforce the law when necessary.”
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister announced that £60m will be made available across the police and local authorities for compliance and enforcement activities.
Bristol has received an allocation of £282,752 through this funding, part of which it is using to recruit and train the 16 marshals.
