A SAUNA bar in Bournemouth is being investigated by BCP Council after the authority received complaints it had not been adhering to coronavirus regulations.

Based on Commercial Road, The Triangle, Saunabar is billed as the largest gay and bisexual sauna bar on the south west coast.

According to its website it boasts spa facilities, sauna and steam rooms, private chill-out rooms, a Jacuzzi, professional massage and a licensed bar.

BCP Council Cllr May Haines, portfolio holder for community safety, said: “We can confirm that we received two complaints on October 7 regarding this venue and that an investigation is being undertaken."

The sauna and steam room industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with many venues being forced to close completely for six months.

Since October 1 they have been able to reopen, but only under strict guidelines which include reduced capacity in steam rooms and saunas, regular cleaning throughout the day and, where technically possible, increased airflow.

Cllr Haines said: "Saunas and steam rooms were permitted to reopen from 1 October.

"As with all businesses, they need to comply with the legislation specific to their businesses.

"Government guidance is now backed up by legislation and we will take further action where necessary to protect our community."

National Covid-19 guidelines is for users to be given fixed times and staggered slots to enter the sauna or steam room.

Cllr Haines added: "Our economic development team and environmental health services continue to support businesses across the conurbation in their efforts to operate safely and successfully and we’d like to thank the vast majority of businesses for working so hard to ensure they comply.”

Management of the Saunabar were unavailable for comment