Cornwall barber shop fined £1000 after staff caught cutting hair during lockdown
Police and the council found a customer was having their hair done in a screened area after a tip-off from the public
A Cornwall barber shop has been fined £1000 after staff were caught cutting hair during lockdown.
All close contact services, including barbers, hairdressers and beauticians, have been ordered to shut under the current Covid restrictions.
However, after a tip-off from the public, police and the council found a customer having their hair done in a screened area.
The name of the shop and its location have not been revealed but it now has 14 days to appeal.
Cornwall Council says they will not hesitate to take action against those who "ignore the rules and put communities at risk".
"This business clearly knew that it should not be operating during lockdown.
"We know it is incredibly difficult for businesses at the moment but we must all do our bit to stop the spread of the virus.
"We will not hesitate to take action against those who ignore the rules and put communities at risk".
Cllr Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection
Since the start of the pandemic, Cornwall Council has taken enforcement action against seven businesses for Covid breaches.
The barber shop has 14 days to appeal to notice.
Throughout the pandemic Cornwall Council has been working closely with businesses to explain the restrictions in place.
Businesses can find support and guidance regarding the latest restrictions on the Business Regulatory Support website.
If you are concerned that a business is operating illegally during lockdown, you can report it via the Cornwall Council website.