Barber and three customers given Covid fines after police and council catch business offering haircuts

A barber has been fined £1,000 and three customers given £200 penalty notices after the business was caught open in breach of lockdown rules.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Durham Constabulary and Durham County Council issued the instant fines when they found the business offering haircuts, which is against the Coronavirus restrictions.

The check was made as part of their work to ensure only essential businesses are trading during the lockdown, which began early in January.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The location of the barber shop has not been revealed as inquiries continue.

A County Durham barber shop owner and three customers were fined after breaking Covid rules.A County Durham barber shop owner and three customers were fined after breaking Covid rules.
A County Durham barber shop owner and three customers were fined after breaking Covid rules.
Read More
Sunderland's Wheatsheaf pub landlord speaks out over Covid fines - that he says ...

Joanne Waller, the council’s head of community protection services, said: “This case should serve as a reminder to businesses to continue to follow the current lockdown rules and government guidance.

“By operating, you are not only breaking the law and could face a large fine, but you are putting your customers’ safety at risk and in danger of being fined too.

“This is a difficult time for many as we have all been affected by the pandemic, but it is vital that we keep following the current rules to stop the spread of the virus and protect ourselves and others, especially those who are vulnerable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The more we follow the guidance, the sooner restrictions can be lifted and businesses can start to reopen.

“If you are a business owner and are struggling due to the current or past restrictions, please don’t miss out on grants that are available.

“There are government grants offered to businesses who have been affected by the current national lockdown, as well as our own Durham Business Recovery Grant to help businesses who have been affected by the impact of coronavirus.”

Superintendent Steve Long, from Durham Constabulary, said: “It is almost a year since the start of the pandemic and the vast majority of people are aware of the restrictions and are sticking to them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, those who choose to blatantly or persistently ignore the rules can expect to be dealt with robustly.

“We will always support partners when they take enforcement action against businesses which flout the rules.”

For more information about current lockdown rules, visit www.durham.gov.uk/coronavirus Information on available grants, support, and advice for businesses can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19business.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.