Barber and three customers given Covid fines after police and council catch business offering haircuts
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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.
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Hide AdThe location of the barber shop has not been revealed as inquiries continue.
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.
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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.
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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.