Carlisle City Council has issued a stark warning to pubs that they face prosecution if they fail to follow the Covid-19 guidance.

The local authority has stressed that licensed venues failing to comply with the Covid-19 restrictions will have action taken against them.

A spokesman for the city council said: "Firmer action is planned for businesses that refuse to stick to the rules.

"Operators of licensed premises are reminded that where music is played in a venue, it must be of such a nature and volume so as not to encourage dancing and avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other.

"This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from playing music that may encourage shouting or played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult.

"The Regulatory Authorities and Police are closely working together to monitor the situation in Carlisle and those found to be breaching the guidelines will be investigated."