Businesses breached lockdown rules

Prohibition notices have been served on a hairdressing salon and a barber’s shop in Grantham for breaking lockdown rules put in place to protect public health.

The businesses remained open despite Government legislation brought in to fight the spread of coronavirus which said that they should stop trading and were served the notices by South Kesteven District Council who are responsible for enforcing the legislation locally.

The Prohibition Notices require businesses to close in line with the regulations or face financial penalties or court action.  Both businesses have complied with the notices to close and, if they continue to comply, no further action will be taken.

SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: “During the lockdown, most of our work has been around supporting local businesses and guiding them through new legislation and changes. The vast majority of local businesses have been hugely welcoming of this support and have followed the legislation to protect the health and wellbeing of their staff and residents.

“But when businesses flout the law, we have to take action in the interests of public health to stop the spread of Covid-19.  It is also unfair on the vast majority of businesses that have complied with the legislation and closed, if others do not do so.

“Throughout this pandemic, it is community spirit and working together that has helped to slow the spread of this virus, and it is this same approach that is so important now, if we are to ease out of lockdown safely. We need everyone to play their part.”

New regulations brought in on March 26 as part of Government measures to help manage COVID-19 outbreak required non-essential shops and businesses to remain closed until further notice. Some businesses were allowed to reopen on 15 June, but hairdressers were not among them.

Hairdressers are among the businesses that can open again from 4 July, but there is no date yet for nail bars, beauty salons, spas and tanning salons.

Further information to help business which can re-open from 4 July comply with the government guidance is available at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/covidbusiesssupport