Dozens of West Sussex businesses fined for refusing to follow Covid-19 rules
Trading Standards have revealed how many have breached regulations during lockdown
More than 30 West Sussex businesses have been hit with fines for refusing to comply with Covid-19 rules since the start of the first lockdown.
Firms including hairdressers, carwashers and retailers are among those to have received notices since March 2020 following investigations by West Sussex Trading Standards.
In all, 36 have been given out, with one business receiving multiple fines.
Officers investigated these businesses after receiving complaints that they were opening illegally or not taking contact details of customers.
Trading Standards have said that businesses are putting their customers 'at serious risk' by not following the regulations.
Peter Aston, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, said:
“It is the law for certain businesses to close during the lockdown. The majority of businesses have complied with regulations and I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to do so.
“Whilst we do appreciate this is a difficult time for businesses, particularly those who have had to close, not only does breaking the restrictions put customers at risk, it’s not fair to the vast majority of businesses who are complying with the regulations.
"Our priority is to keep residents safe and I want to send a clear message that we will take action against any business which refuses to follow the law.”
Under current lockdown restrictions, hospitality venues such as pubs, restaurants and coffee shops must close to the public other than for takeaways.
Businesses required to close include clothing stores, gyms, hair beauty and nail salons, nightclubs, theatres and museums.
Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“Trading Standards officers have been working incredibly hard throughout the pandemic to ensure businesses comply with COVID-19 restrictions. Unfortunately a small minority of businesses have flouted the rules and officers have needed to take enforcement action.
“I would like to thank all of those businesses who have complied with the regulations throughout. It is absolutely vital we all continue to comply with the restrictions and work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Anyone who looking to report an issue to Trading Standards should contact the service via Citizens Advice on 08082231133 or online.