Barber’s closed as rules on virus ‘not enforced’
MOVE FOLLOWS ‘SIGNIFICANT BREACHES’ BY THE BUSINESS
A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE barber’s shop has been temporarily shut down after “leaving customers at risk” by not following Covid-19 guidance.
Authorities say staff at the Talking Heads salon, on Portland Road in Hucknall, did not wear face masks or follow social distancing and then claimed the virus was a “conspiracy”.
Environmental health officers reported “significant breaches” of the Covid-19 rules and regulations at the site, leading to action from Nottinghamshire Police as well as the county and district councils.
It is claimed management in the salon did not enforce rules on social distancing, mask wearing or sanitiser and no notices were on display asking customers to comply with regulations.
Nottinghamshire Police said that, when questioned by enforcement staff, barbers at the site also “did not appear to understand the need” for the requirements before providing documents to suggest the pandemic was a conspiracy.
The barber’s was closed on Friday and authorities say the closure could last until November 13 but will be reviewed every seven days.
Jonathan Gribbin, public health director at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We will not hesitate to take action against businesses whose operations pose a serious and imminent risk to the health of their customers, staff and the wider community
“This is the third time a ‘direction to close’ notice has been served by the county council since gaining the power to help prevent, contain and manage coronavirus locally.”
In recent weeks two pubs have been closed – last week officers worked with the council to close Zinc bar in West Bridgford and last month the Queen’s Head in Broxtowe borough was also closed due to similar issues.
Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Dickson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We all have an incredibly important responsibility to adhere to the coronavirus regulations as part of our national effort to prevent the spread of the disease.
“All businesses must comply with the protocols set by the Government as a matter of public safety and we will not stand for persistent breaches of the regulations in our city and county.
“In this case there was deliberate flouting of the restrictions which is both reckless and endangers life which is not acceptable.
“As a result the business has been closed. We will be patrolling in the area on a regular basis to ensure the business remains closed.”
Councillor John Wilmott, cabinet member for regulatory services at Ashfield District Council, said it was “disappointing” to hear that a local business had failed to provide a Covid-secure environment for customers. He said: “It meant we had no option but to take this action despite our teams continuing to provide them with the advice and support since the pandemic started.
“We continue to work with business owners on the guidelines, and have visited hundreds of businesses in recent weeks to help them adapt to laws and the vast majority are doing an amazing job.”
All businesses must comply with the protocols set by the Government.
Inspector Mark Dickson