Complaints over traders

Reports from members of the public concerned about businesses breaching Covid rules have more than doubled since the third lockdown began and non-essential stores were ordered to close, according to Kent Council Council’s Trading Standards.

The authority says it is getting more than 170 reports a week; up from around 85 a week at the start of December.

The most frequentl issues range from stores failing to challenge customers not wearing masks, nonessential business opening and stores failing to manage social distancing.

Enforcement teams are now stepping up their response with a crackdown on businesses which flout the rules, while also providing extra information to those who are unclear on the restrictions.

Since the start of December, more than 70 businesses have received advice or formal notices asking them to step up measures to keep customers safe, or to close until lockdown is lifted.

KCC Trading Standards is writing to more than 1,000 businesses reminding them of what the lockdown rules and potential penalties.