BUSINESSES could be forced to ask customers from outside Southend for ID to police the different restrictions across the county.

Southend’s business owners face telling staff to ask for passports and photo IDs on entry to ensure out of area customers are part of the same bubble or household.

It was confirmed visitors to the seafront town from the likes of Basildon and Rochford won’t be able to visit bars and restaurants indoors, unless they are in a bubble.

Martin Richardson, the owner of the Happidrome Arcade, on Southend seafront, threatened closure until the new year if the “restrictions continue as they are”.

Businesses have been asked by Southend Council to “endeavour” to enforce the new restrictions, with owners now resigned to asking customers where they have come from.

Paul Thompson, owner of Pebbles One cafe, believes business bosses will be told to ask for passports or photo identification. He said: “The council advice doesn’t answer any questions. I’m not sure where we stand when we open anymore. Staff in Rochford don’t know if they can come into work.

“The council needs to get this right, it’s vital. We’re desperate for customers.”

The Echo understands Southend Council held talks with Essex Police and “other partners” last week to see clarity on how businesses enforce the new Tier system.

Mr Richardson said: “I can’t afford to put two additional staff on the door to police it.

“This new tier two restrictions will cut our supply off.

“What more do they want us to do? We’ve done everything we can. I don’t want to be part of the spread of the virus. My staff and customers’ safety is my number one priority.”

Gary Lowen, manager of the Gleneagles Guest House, in Clifftown Parade, warned the Government is “turning hospitality into the police, adding: “It’s a nightmare. It’s another problem to overcome.”

Trevor Harp, councillor responsible for health Southend Council said: “We do understand this is a complex time for businesses and so a pragmatic approach has to be taken regarding the new national Covid alert system and the issue of Essex and Southend areas being on a different level.

“However, we want to be clear that we will not be seeking to catch any businesses out, we are just asking them to do their best to adhere to the national regulations.

“Essex Police has said they will have additional resources available and officers will be on patrol.”