Paul Abbott, ERYC Head of Trading Standards, believes that a restriction is a prohibition. For such incompetence, he is paid over £91,000 plus a generous pension.

I had registered a formal complaint with ERYC that the signage for the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for Alcohol Consumption in Bridlington and Beverley failed to be supported by correct signage.

The PSPOs both state that the consumption of alcohol in the area is prohibited by order yet signs state “The consumption of alcohol in this area is restricted by order”.

On Wednesday 10 July, in response to my complaint, Paul left a message on my answer machine stating ” a restriction is a prohibition”. This can be heard in the recording above.

Main Difference – Prohibited v Restricted

To assist Paul.

“Prohibited and Restricted are used in reference to limitations and prevention. However, they cannot be used interchangeably as there is a distinct difference between them. Prohibited is used when we are talking about an impossibility. Restricted is used when we are talking about something that has specific conditions. The main difference between prohibited and restricted is that prohibited means something is formally forbidden by law or authority whereas restricted means something is put under control or limits.” 

Paul Abbott – Not A Competent Person

As ERYC Head of Trading Standards under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 he must ensure that

“a trader supplying a service must meet certain standards: the service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. This means that the trader must, as a minimum, work to the same standard as any reasonably competent person in that trade or profession.”

Paul has failed to “work to the same standard as any reasonably competent person in that trade or profession”.

Paul and ERYC must revisit my complaint, remove all incorrect signage and reimburse all Fixed Penalty Notices issued.

Given Pauls failure to understand basic English his position as ERYC Head of Trading Standards is now untenable and he must be relieved of this responsibility.